01/05/2023
4D Plates
Our most frequently asked questions
Which plates are legal?
2D plates - YES ✅
3D Plates - NO❌
4D Plates - YES✅
You may have seen a new style of number plate on UK roads lately with raised characters - These are called 4D number plates.
These plates are new on UK roads, and many have questioned whether or not these 4D number plates are legal in the eyes of the DVLA and UK law. If you have wondered if 4D number plates are legal, we will answer that here.
What exactly are 4D Number Plates?
4D number plates have been introduced recently in the UK. The obvious difference between 4D number plates and 3D number plates you may have seen in the past, is that 3D plates don't have raised characters, but are two-toned. These two-tone digits will not be allowed on UK number plates from September 2021 due to stricter definitions of black from the DVLA, and the need to have a clear distinction between the digit and retro-reflective NIR values. This is to assist ANPR cameras pick up your reg. This change comes about because of shift to a new British Standard (BS145e) which will also be enforced from September 2021.
4D number plates are different in that the characters on the registration itself are actually physically raised from the rest of the plate. Adding an extra dimension to the plate, hence the name - 4D number plate.
What about Carbon Fibre Number Plates?
You may also have seen carbon fibre number plates on UK roads, and wondered about their legality.
In previous years, carbon fibre number plates were road legal. However, with the new DVLA standard (BSAU 145e) for car registration plates, carbon fibre number plates are no longer legal on UK roads.
Are 4D Number Plates Legal?
The next question you may have, is are 4D number plates legal in the UK and in the eyes of the DVLA?
The short answer is yes, but only if these 4D number plates meet the standards in place for other registrations by the DVLA. These legally enforced rules and regulations are covered here, and cover character width, spacing, sizing and materials used.
It is also extremely important to note that all number plates must also meet or exceed the BS145e standards and be assembled accordingly to that standard using the correct materials.
If you have any other questions, please feel free to get in touch 🪪
