Straight answers on number plates from the people who make them: what's legal, what lasts, how to fit them, and what's worth paying for.
Do 4D number plates pass an MOT? 6 September 2026 · Plate Legality Yes, when they're made to the standard. Here's exactly what the tester looks at, the three things that actually cause plate fails, and how to check yours in a minute.
Are hex number plates legal in the UK? 5 September 2026 · Plate Legality The angled ends aren't the problem. Whether a hex plate is road legal comes down to the same things as any plate: character size, spacing and the margin around them. Here's where the line is.
Are gel number plates legal? 4 September 2026 · Plate Legality 3D gel plates have been road legal for over twenty years and still are under BS AU 145e. What makes one illegal is the same as for any plate, and it's never the gel.
4D vs 4D gel plates: which should you buy? 3 September 2026 · Plate Guides Same laser-cut acrylic letter underneath, with or without a gel dome on top. It's a £25 difference on a pair. Here's what the gel adds, what it doesn't, and who should pay for it.
Do front and rear number plates have to match? 2 September 2026 · Plate Legality They must show the same registration and both must be legal. Beyond that you've got more freedom than people think: different sizes, and even different finishes, are allowed.
How to measure your number plate size 1 September 2026 · Plate Guides Two measurements and a character count are all you need. Here's how to size a plate for a recess, a holder or a narrow bumper, and how to know when a short plate can still be road legal.
7 Number Plate Mistakes We See Every Single Week 5 August 2026 · Plate Legality After thousands of orders, the same handful of mistakes keep coming up. Here's what they are and how to avoid wasting money on plates you can't legally use.
Are 4D Plates Actually Worth the Extra Money? 28 July 2026 · Plate Guides 4D plates cost more than standard. Whether that's money well spent depends on your car, how you use it, and what you actually want out of it. Here's an honest take.
Short Number Plates UK: Rules, Sizes & Who Can Have Them (2026) 14 March 2026 · Plate Legality Short number plates are legal in the UK but only for certain registrations. Here's who qualifies, what sizes are available, and the rules you need to follow.
Why Are UK Number Plates White and Yellow? Colours Explained 12 March 2026 · Plate Guides Ever wondered why the front plate is white and the rear is yellow? Here's the history, the legal reasons, and what other plate colours mean in the UK.
Best Number Plates for Black Cars: Style Guide 2026 5 March 2026 · Plate Guides Which number plate style looks best on a black car? We compare 4D, 3D gel, and standard plates and explain which finishes complement dark paintwork.
Number Plate Font UK: The Charles Wright 2001 Typeface Explained 28 February 2026 · Plate Legality Every UK number plate must use the Charles Wright 2001 font. Here's why it's mandatory, what it looks like, and what happens if your plates use the wrong font.
Can I Put My Number Plate on a New Car? UK Transfer Guide 8 July 2025 · Plate Legality Switching vehicles? Find out exactly how to transfer your existing number plate to a new car, the costs involved, and what DVLA paperwork you'll need.
Are Tinted Number Plates Legal in the UK? 5 July 2025 · Plate Legality Smoked or tinted number plates look sleek, but are they road legal? Here's what the law says and why tinted plates can land you with a £1,000 fine.
Can I Put a Private Number Plate on a Finance Car? (UK Guide) 2 July 2025 · Plate Legality Wondering if you can add a personalised plate to a car on finance or PCP? Here's what the law says and what you need to get permission from your finance company.
Number Plate Maker UK: Best Online Plate Builders & Suppliers 18 February 2025 · Buying Guide The best number plate makers in the UK. Compare online plate builders, check DVLA registration, and find the right supplier for 4D, 3D gel, and standard plates.
Are 4D plates legal? Yes, if they're made properly 10 February 2025 · Plate Legality Raised acrylic letters are allowed under BS AU 145e. What decides it is the font, the spacing, the reflective backing and the supplier mark. Here's the checklist we work to.
3D gel or 4D acrylic? How to choose 5 February 2025 · Plate Guides Both are raised, both are legal, both look better than flat print. The difference is the edge: a soft dome or a sharp cut. Here's how we'd pick for your car.
Fitting your plates: pads or screws? 28 January 2025 · Plate Guides Sticky pads are quicker, kinder to raised letters and hold fine. Screws are for when the old plates were screwed on. Either way, never go through a letter.
What we need to see before we can make road-legal plates 20 January 2025 · Plate Legality The law says a plate supplier checks two things: who you are, and that you're entitled to the registration. One document from each list, uploaded through the site. It takes two minutes.
Printed, gel or acrylic: the honest comparison 15 January 2025 · Plate Guides Three ways to make the same legal plate. What each one costs, how it's made, how it ages, and who should buy which.
Do 3D or 4D Number Plates Affect ANPR Cameras? 10 January 2025 · Plate Legality A common concern — will 3D or 4D number plates cause problems with ANPR cameras or speed cameras? Here's the definitive answer.