[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]What are the benefits of 3D gel number plates? They are stylish and modern, but that’s not all – read this blog to find out more and order some today.
Lots of people love 3D plates, but what are the benefits of 3D gel number plates that make them so popular? Here, we will go through what you need to know about these fantastic plates so that you can decide if you want to adorn your vehicle with them when the time comes for an upgrade.
As the best alternative to Halfords for all of your number plate needs, Number Plate Clinic would love to help you pick the perfect dimension plates for your vehicle and walk you through the difference between legal and show plates, new private plate laws of 2024, why there is no Z in number plates, and even the most expensive number plate ever sold in the UK.
What Are 3D Gel Plates?
3D gel number plates (also called 3D gel resin or 3D domed gel plates), are made with the usual sheet base. However, the plate characters get covered with a polyurethane gel resin, which is what gives the characters that attractive raised profile that we see on these plates (and also why they are called 3D gel resin plates).
These 3D gel plates are different from the traditional printed plates, as the characters have domed resin over them to give them a different effect. They stand out more, and are sure to set you apart from the crowd if you got these plates.
What Are the Benefits of 3D Gel Number Plates
So, what are the benefits of 3D gel number plates? We’re glad you asked. There are numerous great benefits of this type of number plate, and you might not immediately think of them all.
Below, we will go through the main benefits of 3D gel plates, and you can decide if you think that these plates are worth getting. If it was down to us, the answer would be a resounding yes – but let us know what you think.
Classy and Stylish
First and foremost, 3D gel plates are classy and stylish, and they are bound to set you apart from the crowd. However, they manage to be stylish without being in your face, which might be exactly what you are looking for.
A lot of people think that if you want class, you need to go with a 4D plate, but this isn’t necessarily true. Yes, 4D plates and big and bold, but not every car might suit that look, or maybe you just don’t like it. That’s where 3D gel plates win – they’re attractive without being too obvious, and anyone who pays attention to your plates will immediately notice.
Completely Legal
We already mentioned this, but we take legality seriously at Number Plate Clinic. These 3D gel plates are road legal and won’t make you fail your MOT, which is a huge plus if you are looking for a plate that’s different from the standard, but won’t get you into trouble.
Crystal Clear Characters
Because of the resin over the characters, these character stand out and are crystal clear. This only adds to the appeal of these plates and makes them more visually striking, even if you don’t know a lot about number plates.
Durability
Durability is key when it comes to number plates, and 3D plates do not disappoint in this department. The characters are unlikely to come off thanks to the process of making the characters stick to the sheet.
3D gel plates are known for their flexibility, too. While you need to be careful not to bend the 4D plates because the characters are brittle and can break, 3D plates offer a unique flexibility and won’t break so easily.
Technically, you could even drill through the numbers, and they wouldn’t break, but this will impact the adhesive and damage the letters, making it unsuitable for road use. It’s not practical, but it definitely is a measure of their flexibility compared to other plates!
The Disadvantage of 3D Gel Plates
It wouldn’t be fair to sing its praises without having a quick look at the disadvantages of 3D gel number plates. After all, nothing is perfect, and it always pays to make an informed decision.
The biggest disadvantage of 3D gel plates comes down to the price – at least in comparison to standard printed plates.
At Number Plate Clinic, you can expect to pay around £30 for a standard plate. For a 3D gel plate, you will be paying between £60 and £65 for your plates, with EV plates being £5 more than non-EV plates.
With that being said, 3D gel plates are not as expensive as 4D plates, which can cost anywhere from £70 to £165 depending on the type of plate. So, looking at the big picture, 3D gel plates are a happy middle-priced option that is fantastic for anyone who wants to venture out into something a bit more exciting without spending too much.
If that sounds like you, or you just love how 3D gel plates look, then why not consider getting some and upping your game?
How to Make Sure Your 3D Gel Plates Are Legal
Any kind of number plate can be illegal if they don’t follow the regulations that the UK government has set out. As such, 3D gel number plates are 100% legal in the UK and can be seen by cameras, ULEZ, and ANPR without any issues whatsoever – if they couldn’t, these plates would not be legal in the first place.
Let’s have a look at how you can make sure that your 3D gel plates are road legal and what rules you need to follow:
- Not have reflective characters (letters, numbers)
- Not have removable characters (letters, numbers)
- Be made with a background of reflective material
- Have a plain background, with no pattern or distracting characteristics
- Front plates must have black characters on a white background
- Back/rear plates must have black characters on a yellow background
- Show who supplied the number plate (mark of provider is required)
- Have a British Standard number for any plates fitted after the first of September 2021
- Must have characters written in the Charles Wright 2001 font
- Can have raised characters (3D & 4D)
- Can display certain identifiers such as flags or symbols
It’s important to mention that although 3D plates that follow the rules and regulations (including all the spacing requirements) are legal, they are still classed as a modification. Because of this, you should declare them when doing your insurance.
Some plates, such as carbon gel plates, are illegal in the UK are they do not meet the criteria listed above. Specifically, they are too reflective and are deemed dangerous on the roads. Even if these meet other criteria, you will be met with a fine, points on your licence, and possibly a court case.
Visit the Number Plate Clinic
At Number Plate Clinic, we love all of our number plates – but that doesn’t mean that some aren’t our favourites. 3D gel plates are attractive and come with a host of benefits that anyone would enjoy, and if you have been thinking about upgrading your plates, why not consider these?
To find out more, why not check out our terms and conditions? Before making a purchase, we suggest reading through our privacy and refund policies, and maybe even exploring our affiliate program and workshop. If you want to speak to customer service, we would love to hear from you.
So, what are the benefits of 3D gel number plates? They are attractive, durable, UV resistant, and most importantly – completely legal. There’s nothing not to love about them, and that’s why you should consider getting 3D plates.
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