UK Number Plate Rules Explained: What’s Legal in 2025?

If you drive in the UK, you need to follow strict number plate rules. These rules help keep things clear, legal, and safe for all road users. These rules cover size, colour, spacing, and more. If you get it wrong, you could face a fine or even fail your MOT. Here’s what you need to know.

Standard UK number plates must:

• Use black characters on a white front plate and a yellow rear plate
• Be made from reflective material
• Use the correct font (Charles Wright)
• Show no background pattern
• Have characters that are 79mm tall and 50mm wide (except the number 1 or letter I)

You can find legal number plate options on Official Plates.

New and Updated Number Plate Rules and Laws

Since 2021, new plates must meet the BS AU 145e standard. It improves durability and makes it easier for cameras to read plates in poor light. Some changes include:

• Tougher resistance to dirt, water, and bending
• One single shade of black for lettering (no carbon, no shadows)
• Mandatory supplier and BS code on the plate

This is now the standard in 2025. If you have older plates, you don’t need to replace them unless they’re damaged or illegal. You can check compliant styles on our Buying Plates page.

How to Know If Your Plate Is Legal

You don’t need a garage to check. Here’s a quick list:

• Are the letters and numbers clear and spaced correctly?
• Is there a supplier name and BS code printed at the bottom?
• Is the plate clean and readable from 20 metres away?

Still unsure? You can read the full rules on the UK Government website for more detail.

Illegal Number Plates: What Breaks the Rules?

These are some common mistakes:

• Incorrect spacing (like AB12CDE instead of AB12 CDE)
• Screws placed to alter characters
• Non-standard fonts or tinted plates
• Using names or slogans instead of a reg number

Illegal plates can get you a fine of up to £1,000 and an MOT failure. Police can even take the plate off your car.

Learn more from the RAC’s legal guide.

Vehicle-Specific Rules (Cars, Bikes, Vans, Imports)

Cars and Vans:

Follow standard UK rules: front plate (white), rear plate (yellow), both reflective. Size and font must match DVLA rules.

Motorcycles:

• Only one rear plate required
• Smaller size permitted (190mm x 150mm or similar)
• No front plate needed

More details on our motorcycle plate options.

Imported Vehicles:

Some imports may allow square or smaller plates. These must still follow spacing and font rules. We offer JDM Japanese import plates and American import plates, both designed to meet legal requirements while matching the look and size typical for those vehicle types.

Are 3D, 4D and Tinted Plates Still Legal?

Yes, but only if made to BS AU 145e. 3D and 4D styles are still allowed, but they must:

• Use a single black shade
• Not reflect light excessively
• Follow size, spacing and font rules

Avoid tinted or coloured backgrounds. Those are illegal. You can explore legal 3D and 4D plate styles we make.

Private and Personalised Plates: What to Watch Out For

Personalised plates are legal, but the display must follow the same rules as standard plates:

• Correct spacing
• Approved font and size
• Clear visibility

You can’t change the look to spell a name or word unless it still meets DVLA rules.

What MOT Testers Look for in Number Plates

Plates are part of your MOT. You can fail if:

• The plate is too dirty to read
• Characters are the wrong size or font
• It’s damaged, cracked, or bent

Make sure your plate is clean, legal, and securely attached. Read our MOT checklist for more help.

Show Plates: Display Rules vs Road Legal Plates

Show plates are for events or off-road use. They’re not legal for road driving. Most show plates:

• Have fancy fonts, colours, or logos
• Ignore DVLA size and spacing rules

Using them on the road can get you fined. We offer show plates if they are being used off public road. You must ask for this specifically and provide the correct documentation if it is a vehicle registration number. All show plates are clearly marked for non-road use.

What to Do If You Already Have an Illegal Plate

If your plate breaks the rules, replace it. Don’t wait for a fine or MOT failure.

We can help you make a legal replacement. Use our number plate range to choose the right style, size, and legal marks.

Dispose of illegal plates properly. Don’t sell them on.

FAQs: Number Plate Rules in the UK

Can I use a flag or badge on my plate?
Yes, but only approved ones like the Union Jack, St George’s Cross, Scottish Saltire, and Welsh Dragon. The flag must be on the left-hand side of the plate and can be displayed in either 2D print or 3D style. You can view options in our printed number plates section.

Do I need to display the plate all the time?
Yes, if the vehicle is on a public road or space. However, if your car is on private land and not in public view, you do not need to display the number plate.

Can I make my plate smaller?
You can use a smaller plate as long as there’s at least 11mm of space between the registration number and the edge of the plate or any legal text. The same applies to import vehicles and bikes, but even on cars, spacing rules matter more than plate size alone. 

Can I move my plate to another car?
Yes, but you need to do it through DVLA. You will need the correct documentation for the registration number and the car the plate is to be fitted to. You can do the swap on the DVLA website. Remember to also update your insurance company and any other entities that use the registration number automatically, such as congestion charges and tolls.

If you’re not sure what style or size is right, check out our full range of legal number plates or contact us.