What Is a Legal UK Number Plate?
If you’re buying replacement number plates, it’s important to make sure they meet current UK legal requirements. A legal number plate must follow specific rules covering its material, lettering, spacing, colours and markings.
Here’s what to look for.
1. It Must Meet the BS AU 145e Standard
Number plates must meet the BS AU 145e standard. This covers requirements such as durability, reflectivity and resistance to damage.
At Number Plate Supply, our road-legal replacement plates are made to meet the current UK standard.
2. The Colours Must Be Correct
For most vehicles, the front number plate must have black characters on a white reflective background.
The rear number plate must have black characters on a yellow reflective background.
3. The Font and Spacing Must Be Legal
UK number plates must use the correct font, character size and spacing.
You cannot move characters closer together or change the spacing to make a registration appear to spell a different word or name. This applies to personalised registrations too.
4. The Plate Must Include the Required Markings
A road-legal number plate must display the required British Standard marking along with information identifying the number plate supplier.
These markings help show that the plate has been manufactured to the required standard.
5. Fixings Must Not Alter the Registration
Screws, bolts and fixing caps must not make a letter or number look different or make the registration difficult to read.
When fitting your new plates, always position the fixings carefully so every character remains clearly visible.
Can I Change the Spacing on My Number Plate?
No. Your registration must be displayed using the legally required spacing.
Even if you own a personalised registration, changing the spacing to make it look like a name or word can make the plate illegal for road use.
Buy Road-Legal Number Plates Online
At Number Plate Supply, you can build and order road-legal replacement front and rear number plates online.
When ordering road-legal number plates in the UK, you’ll also need to provide suitable identification and proof that you’re entitled to use the registration.
Quick Checklist
A legal UK number plate should have the correct white or yellow reflective background, black characters, legal font and spacing, required supplier markings and the appropriate British Standard marking.
If you’re replacing your current plates, choosing plates manufactured to the BS AU 145e standard helps ensure you’re starting with the correct specification.
