Our Guide for Show Plates in 2024

What are show plates?

• Show plates are custom decorative plates that are designed for display purposes only, not for legal road use.
• They allow complete creative freedom in their design, unlike legal number plates which have strict rules on spacing, size, materials etc.
• Show plates are popular with car enthusiasts and are commonly seen at car shows, meets, events and photoshoots.

Why do people use show plates?

• To personalise their vehicle and make it stand out from the crowd.
• To match a theme or style, for example, vintage fonts on a classic car.
• To display a nickname, logo, image or message.
• For fun and creativity, without being bound by legal restrictions.
• To cover their real number plate when displaying the vehicle.

What are the differences between show plates and legal plates?

• Legal plates must meet specific DVLA rules on size, spacing, font, reflectivity etc. Show plates have no restrictions.
• Legal plates display the vehicle’s real identity mark. Show plates can display anything.
• Legal plates are required for road use. Show plates are for off-road use only.

Can you use show plates on the road?

• No, show plates are illegal to use on public roads. Only legal number plates meeting BS AU145e standards can be used on the road.
• Using show plates on the road could get you pulled over and fined by the police.

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Where can you use show plates?

Show plates are designed for off-road use only at:

• Car shows and events
• Photo shoots
• Private land
• Garages and showrooms

They cannot be used on public roads to replace legal number plates.

What materials are show plates made from?

• The most common is acrylic, which is durable and weather resistant.
• Optional 3D gel or 4D acrylic with illuminated letters for a premium look.
• Can be made in a range of colours, not just legal white/yellow.
• Metal or magnetic Show Plates are also available.

What customisation options are available?

• Fonts – Choose from a wide range of stylised fonts.
• Size – Pick from small to large plate sizes.
• Colours – Match or contrast your car’s paintwork.
• Logos & images – Add a logo, flag, graphic or photo.
• Text effects – Shadow, outline, gradient etc.
• Borders – Stylish borders to frame your plate.

Where can you buy show plates?

• Online retailers – Fast, custom options and delivered to your door.
• Local plate shops – Support local businesses and potentially see products first.
• DIY – Print your own using vinyl, acrylic and templates.
• Auctions – Bid on rare and unique vintage show plates.

 How much do show plates cost?

• Around £40-£75 for a basic acrylic show plate.
• Up to £100+ for premium materials and customisation options.
• Vintage or very rare designs can cost hundreds.
• DIY plates are cheaper but likely lower quality.

How are show plates installed?

• Adhesive pads – Stick show plate directly to the vehicle.
• Plastic Plates – For easy on/off without adhesive residue.
• Screw holes – Drill holes to bolt show plates in place.
• Slide-in frames – Clip show plate into a frame screwed on the car.
• Most sellers offer fitting kits tailored for different installation methods.

Check out the Road Legal style 

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Browse our collection of number plate designs, or for more information, call us on 0777 444 55 16 or email:- info@numberplateclinic.co.uk

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