Is Your Number Plate Legal?

Is Your Number Plate Legal in the UK?

Legal car number plates in the UK must follow strict rules set by the DVLA. If your plate breaks those rules, you could get a fine or fail your MOT. Whether you’re buying private plates or custom car plates, it’s important to check they’re road legal.

This article covers number plate rules in the UK, including legal flags, electric vehicle (EV) indicators, and spacing rules.

What Flags, Badges & Symbols Can You Use?

You can only use certain flags or badges on a UK number plate. These include:

Union Jack with “UK”
Cross of St George with “ENG” or “England”
Cross of St Andrew with “SCO” or “Scotland”
Red Dragon of Wales with “CYM”, “Cymru” or “Wales”

These must appear on the left side of the plate. The flag goes on top, the identifier underneath. This section can’t be wider than 50mm.

Fully electric vehicles can also use a green number plate with a vertical green flash. Hybrids aren’t eligible.

No other flags or symbols are allowed. That includes football logos, emojis, or any custom image.

Illegal Plate Features to Avoid in 2025

Avoid these if you want DVLA number plates that are legal:

Fancy fonts or italic letters
Incorrect number plate spacing
Tinted or coloured backgrounds
Logos, badges, or slogans not allowed
Reflective, coloured, or glitter text

Plates must meet the BS AU 145e standard. This covers reflectivity, strength, and visibility.

If you break these rules, you risk a fine up to £1000 and MOT failure.

What Is the BS AU 145e Standard and Why It Matters

BS AU 145e is the British Standard that all new road legal number plates must meet from September 2021.

It sets rules for:

Reflective material
Black, solid characters
No background images
Approved spacing and layout

A plate must also display:

“BS AU 145e” mark
Supplier name and postcode

Size, Font & Format Rules (for Cars, Motorcycles, Imports)

Standard cars and vans:

Plate size: 520mm x 111mm
Character height: 79mm
Character width: 50mm (except 1 and I)
Space between characters: 11mm
Gap between groups: 33mm
Font style: Charles Wright

Motorcycle number plates:

Two-line layout only
Character height: 64mm
Width: 44mm
Line spacing: 13–19mm
Font style: Charles Wright

Imported vehicles:

Smaller, wider, or taller plates are allowed
Depending on the type of vehicle and available mounting space
Must still use Charles Wright font and legal spacing

Visit our number plate sizes page for all options.

Show Plates vs Road-Legal Plates: What’s the Difference?

Show number plates are for display. They’re used at car events or on private land only.

They’re not road legal if they:

Use custom fonts
Show unapproved logos or flags
Lack a BS AU 145e mark

Road legal plates follow DVLA rules and can be used on public roads. Official Plates makes both types. Choose the right one for your use.

How to Order Number Plates (and What You’ll Need)

To order legal car number plates:

Use a DVLA-registered number plate maker (we are one)
Provide ID (passport or driving licence)
Show proof of vehicle ownership (like a V5C)

This helps prevent stolen plate use.

Read the full list on our how to order page.

Best DVLA-Registered Suppliers for Custom Plates

You should always buy from trusted suppliers. Official Plates is DVLA-registered. We offer:

Legal 4D number plates
EV green number plates
Private plates with approved national flags
Custom plate sizes for bikes and imports

Explore options on our custom number plates page.

How Brexit Changed the Rules on ‘GB’ Plates

Before Brexit, many plates showed the EU flag and “GB”. Since 2021, that changed.

You now need a Union Jack with “UK” instead. Or use a UK sticker if driving in Europe.

EU flag plates are legal in the UK but not valid abroad.

How Reflectivity and Fonts Affect Camera Readability

ANPR systems rely on standard fonts and plate readability. If your plate is hard to read or altered, problems follow:

Missed tolls or zone charges
Incorrect fines
Police may stop you

Use legal fonts and spacing so your private number plate stays compliant.

Common Mistakes That Lead to Fines or MOT Failure

Screws used to change characters
Incorrect spacing between letters
Missing BS AU 145e or supplier info
Decorative features like neon or glitter

Avoid these issues by using a DVLA-approved number plate maker UK.

FAQs About Flags, EV Strips, and Customisation

Can I use a football logo on my plate?
No. Only DVLA-approved national flags are allowed.

Do hybrid cars qualify for green plates?
No. Only zero-emission vehicles do.

Can I add a border?
Yes, a plain black border is allowed. But no logos or images.

Are 4D number plates legal?
Yes, if they use solid black characters and meet BS AU 145e.