[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Number plates are a part of modern-day society, and have been around since 1903 in the UK. Since their creation, more and more styles and options have become available, which has meant that making a decision on the right type, style, and personalisation for you has become increasingly difficult.
With so many number plate styles to choose from, it can be difficult to remember it all. So, to make it easier for you, welcome to a complete guide to number plates: types, styles, and personalisation – so that you know what your options are, what the limitations are, and why you might want to consider getting your next set of quality plates from the Number Plate Clinic.
Over the years, all types of number plates have been created and used on the roads. From standard printed plates to the new 4D and 4D gel options, we have more to choose from than ever before – but not all of these plates are legal for road use in the UK, and this is something that you need to bear in mind moving forward.
Knowing how to choose the best personalised number plate means that you take all manner of things into account, including understanding what are the different types of number plates and number plate styles, and the customisation options open to you.
UK plate types that are road-legal include:
Number plate types that are not road-legal in the UK include:
The standard number plate in the UK is a printed plate that is fully compliant with BS AU 145e standards and follows the pattern of two letters (DVLA memory tag), two numbers (vehicle age identifier), a space, then three randomised letters.
There are a wide range of speciality plates to choose from if you want to enhance your vehicle’s overall look and stand out from the crowd. From 3D and 4D options to hex plates or even short plates, there are options to suit everyone’s needs and preferences.
If you have an electric vehicle, or EV, you can choose to have an EV plate to showcase this. These plates include a green stripe down the side on the left.
EV plates are not legally required for vehicles that produce no tailpipe emissions, but it can be a nice way to set yourself apart from other vehicles in a small way. These can be fully customised just like any other plate, so you don’t need to worry about missing out on all the enhancement options.
No matter the kind of plate you are looking for, there are customisation options that will get you there. To build your dream number plate, please remember that there are limitations to consider if you want your plate to be road-legal. The DVLA and UK government have rules in place to ensure that all plates are visible to cameras and are easy to read, but these rules do not apply to show plates.
The only font you are allowed to use on a UK number plate is the Charles Wright 2001 font. Any other font is illegal for road-use, and can land you in a significant amount of trouble if you choose to ignore this rule.
If you want a show plate, however, you have the freedom to choose the type of font you would like. Just remember that the characters need to be visible and easy to recognise, or else you could be wasting money.
In accordance with UK law, road-legal plates can include one flag and a national identifier on the left side of the number plate. Identifiers must be below the flag, and neither can be in the plate margin. Both the flag and letters must not be over 50 mm wide.
One of these flags can be included on the left side of the plate:
The following national identifiers can be included:
There are a number of fantastic enhancements that you can opt for when you are going to order a number plate from us. These include 3D and 4D options if you don’t want the standard printed plate, as well as options for show plates or decorations – like carbon, glitter, or colour-backed plates.
No matter what kind of plate you want, we are dedicated to providing you with only the highest quality products, made with quality materials and manufactured by true professionals. Below, we will go through different types of number plates to consider
3D number plates are also called 3D gel resin or 3D domed gel plates. They are made with the usual acrylic base and the plate laser-cut characters get covered with a polyurethane gel resin. This is what gives the characters that attractive raised profile that we see on these plates, and what makes them stand out from the crowd.
4D number plates are made from laser cut acrylic characters and stuck to an acrylic base with a powerful adhesive. This technique makes the plate three-dimensional and capable of casting shadows if the light hits it, creating a bold and eye-catching look suitable for any vehicle.
The 4D gel plate is a combination between the laser cut characters that the 4D plate uses and the gel effect that 3D gel plates use. The laser-cut characters are coated in a high gloss gel resin to give the plate that beautiful glossy look and make it stand out even more.
Glitter number plates come in different shapes and sizes, with 4D and 3D options that are also available for show purposes. These plates contain glitter in the characters to give your vehicle an attractive sparkle and make it stand out from the crowd.
These plates used to be legal before September 1st 2021, but rules have since changed and these plates are not allowed on the roads due to safety concerns and visibility.
Colour-backed are not road-legal. These plates include coloured backing behind the black characters to add some extra depth to the overall design and make it more eye-catching and notable in the showroom or as a decoration.
A carbon-effect will make your plates look more interesting, with a classic carbon-effect on the characters to add depth. These plates are not road-legal due to safety concerns and over-reflective materials that can be problematic on the roads.
Depending on the type of number plate, different materials will be used. At the Number Plate Clinic, we are devoted to using only the best materials available, so you never have to worry about quality.
These are the primary materials used for car plates:
So, how to choose a number plate? Choosing the right number plate can be a challenge, and there are many different things to think about. From looking at your own car and what might suit it, to determining what the plate’s intention or use is, these can all play a part.
When you are trying to decide on a plate, please remember to keep the legal requirements in mind throughout the process, unless you are getting show plates. Stay on the right side of the law, and you will get to enjoy your plates to the fullest.
When deciding how to choose the best personalised number plate, the type of vehicle you have could play a part in the type of plate you end up getting. Some plates will suit some cars better than others, while others might look somewhat out of place. For example, high-end and luxury cars will always look fantastic with a 4D plate compared to the more ‘regular’ cars, which usually suits a standard or 3D plate more.
With that being said, though, there are no rules to follow or not follow when it comes to how to choose a number plate for your vehicle. If you want a 4D gel plate and drive a Honda Civic, get it. You are allowed to have fun with accessories and modifications, no matter the model you drive.
Consider what you want the plate to be used for, from show plates to act as a gift or business use, or road legal plates to make a statement or simply get the job done. There are numerous uses for a number plate, and in order to pick the right one, you need to understand the purpose of the plate.
Below are some examples of what you might want to do with different plate types:
Road-legal number plates need to fulfil all legal requirements, and failing to do so will result in fines or worse. Make sure you know the rules before you start creating your plate and putting in an order, or else you could run into some trouble or disappointment.
Below are the number plate regulations that will determine if a number plate is road legal or not:
Spacing for Road-Legal Number Plates:
If you want show plates, these rules do not apply, as the plates are not for use on the road.
If you are someone who likes to consider popular themes and trends around the world, you might be interested in keeping up with what everyone else is loving. As much fun as it is to follow trends and themes, it’s important that you get a plate that you want.
Don’t get swept up with what other people are into and follow along if you don’t see the appeal yourself – unless you are planning to sell your vehicle and the number plate along with it. If the vehicle and plate are for your personal use, go with what you love rather than what everyone else said, because there are plenty of options for you.
Humour is great, and there is a lot of freedom if you are getting a custom number plate to spell out almost anything you want. Just remember to keep things PC and neutral, as the DVLA won’t allow any plates that include sexual references, swearing, religious, or political phrases or connotations. Even if you can get your plate, it can still easily be taken away if there are complaints about it – and no one wants to spend extra money to get a new one.
There are dozens of number plate combinations that are banned every year, with some from 2024 including OR24 SMS, SK24 NKS, and SH24 TDD. If you can’t tell what these plates would spell out, our key in the section below will help, and you will quickly understand why the DVLA has to go through the effort to ban certain combinations.
A popular thing to do with modern number plates is to play around with character and number substitutions. With seven characters allowed on number plates, vehicle owners have more choices when it comes to picking out numbers and creating personalised plates.
Words can be spelled out, though there are rules for this, as well. Some examples of words that you can spell on a number plate include builder (BU11DER), boss (BO55SSX), guitar (GU17TAR), and many more.
Examples of letter and number substitutions:
Seasonal themes can be fantastic if the show plate is being used for particular events, or if it is a gift for someone. Winter and spring themes might be useful for showrooms or branding, and the same might go for Valentine’s Day or Halloween.
These can play a role in boosting marketing and visibility, but it’s important to remember their use and suitability as show plates and gifts rather than road-legal plates.
Another popular theme or trend you might consider when determining how to choose a number plate is that of social media and influencers. This can be a murky area, as there could be copyright associated, which can land you in trouble if you are not careful. However, we also don’t recommend getting a number plate based on this topic due to the fact that there is a good chance that it can become redundant or go out of style.
Unless you are ordering a plate for a particular event or as a gift, we encourage you to exercise caution in this area.
Colour considerations are only important if you are designing a show number plate, as road-legal plates must not include any colour, glitter, or tinting, and characters must be black. The only exception in this regard is that the back road-legal plate must be yellow, and the front white.
You want the colours on your custom plate to stand out and draw people’s eyes in. This can be challenging, but you can consider things like the colour of the vehicle, and the other colours in and around the plate that are being incorporated. If there are stickers, factor these into your decision, too.
Certain colours have the tendency to evoke certain emotional responses or have particular connotations. For example, red is connected to anger, blue to sadness, green to envy, and so on – what does your custom plate want to say?
You don’t need to take this too seriously if you don’t want to, but it’s a useful trick to keep in mind. Also, make sure to use colours that compliment one another and that don’t clash. If you are modelling a show plate after a logo, then use the colours on the logo to create unity between the vehicle and the brand.
When ordering your new number plate, stop and think about what you want that plate to say. A car registration plate is part of your identity, and it will be fixed to your vehicle for years to come. While it doesn’t necessarily need to make a statement if you don’t want it to, put some thought into this before you order.
Let’s look at a few things that you are going to want to consider when looking at car number plate styles and how to choose the best personalised number plate.
Some car models will look great with classy number plates, while others might not. For example, a sports car will suit something like a hex/Lambo plate shape, and high-end vehicles generally suit the more expensive 3D and 4D number plate types.
As we’ve mentioned before, this doesn’t have to be a deciding factor if you don’t care, but it could also be worth considering. In the end, the final decision is up to you – but we’re always happy to offer some guidance if you want it.
If you are getting a new number plate for a brand or to do marketing, you need to carefully consider what makes sense and what will be effective. If you are getting plates as part of a corporate fleet, the plates should have similarities, or be different for a reason while still getting the message across.
If you want to make a statement with your number plate, follow these useful tips and tricks, and you might surprise yourself! We will also go through some things that you need to bear in mind when you’re thinking about ordering a plate, so stay tuned.
When you order a plate, you want it to be eye-catching (unless you don’t). Depending on the purpose of your number plate, there are several areas that you can experiment with, including the use of phonetics, making a plate that will stand the test of time, and letting those creative juices flow.
Earlier, we mentioned how you can substitute letters and numbers to create words or names on your plate, and this can play a role. If you want to give yourself even more freedom, don’t forget that you can play around with characters to create words – like ‘8 TEE’ to mean eighty.
Unless you have the money to spare, most people will want to get a plate that they will still love for years to come. For this reason, we always advise caution regarding going with trends, because it’s the nature of trends to go out of style – which means that you probably won’t love it after a year.
Depending on whether you’re getting a show plate or a road-legal one, there will be limitations to creativity, but it isn’t completely gone. Make sure to talk to other people to get ideas and inspiration, and if you are creating a show plate, make sure to take your time and come up with something that you really love.
If you are getting a show plate, remember that you can use custom-made emblems on your plate, as well! Show plates offer a lot of freedom in design, so be sure to put some thought into it.
Avoid these three common mistakes when you are coming up with your number plate, and you will get results that you’re happy with. You would be surprised by how often people forget about them, so please think before you put in an order.
The laws on number plates are there for a reason, but some people tend to forget that and think that they can use their show plates out on the road. Please only use designated plates for their intended purpose, or else you can get in serious trouble with the law.
It’s easy to get carried away and want the coolest plates available, but remember that different plates come with different costs. 4D plates are more expensive than 3D, and 3D are more expensive than standard printed plates. Go for something within your budget, or save up until you can splurge on that one plate type that you really love.
Research might not be fun, but it can certainly keep you out of trouble while also inspiring you. If you want a road-legal custom plate, you need to make sure that the registration is available (you can check this via Super Search), and purchase it before you can even think of getting a plate made. Please remember that some registrations may be in high demand, and this will impact availability.
Maintaining number plates is an easy job, and there isn’t too much work involved. Generally, the most you will need to do is clean the plates every few weeks or when needed to ensure that they are visible and undamaged.
However, in order for maintenance to be effective and worth your time, please ensure that your plate has been installed properly, and you are protecting it with a plate holder for the best results. If you don’t have a good base to start with, your plant isn’t likely to hold up the way you hope.
If you want your number plate to last as long as possible, follow these tips below, and you will get great results. Cleaning your licence plate isn’t a difficult task, and you don’t need to overcomplicate it in any way in order for it to be effective.
Always be gentle when you clean your number plate. This means avoiding chemicals, and not putting a lot of pressure. You should use a soft sponge or cloth to clean your plate, and avoid things like scourers or firm brushes, as these will only cause damage.
You can use plain water to properly clean your number plate. If you really like, you can use a few drops of dish soap, but this shouldn’t be necessary.
Below are a few things to remember when it comes to caring for your plate – specifically, what you shouldn’t do to your plate.
Harsh chemicals will negatively impact your number plate and potentially reduce its longevity. Avoid using any harsh chemicals, as no chemicals are needed to adequately clean a number plate.
This is especially important if you have gel plates. While little to no damage will happen immediately, prolonged exposure to hot water when you clean the plate can result in damage.
Number plates must be properly visible at all times, and the registration must be easy to read and identify. If your number plate gets too dirty or gets worn down to the extent that the reflection or legibility of the characters are negatively impacted, you can land yourself with a fine or worse.
Proper maintenance and knowing when to replace your plate is crucial.
If you get on the road with an obscured number plate, you can be fined up to £1,000, and your vehicle can fail its MOT. For repeat offenders, the penalty will be more serious.
Whether you have show plates or road-legal plates, there are measures that you can take to prevent theft. Show plates might be more difficult to protect because of their setting, but this can also make them more difficult to steal, unless someone breaks in after hours.
Below are some steps you can take to protect your plate from getting stolen:
Ordering a plate, including a private number plate, from us is earlier than you could ever imagine. Unlike so many other sellers, we like to keep things simple so that you can get everything done and ordered within minutes. As long as you can provide us with the necessary (legal) documents for road-legal plates, you can be rest assured that there’s no fuss.
What’s more, if you order before 12pm, you can be eligible for next-day delivery! So, you will never have to worry about your plate arriving late for any occasion.
To order a number plate from us, you are going to need to input information such as your registration, the plate type you want (and how many), if you want legal or show plates, the type of fitting you want, and any additional notes. Please remember that the car owners do not need to be the one to order the personalised plates – so they can make fantastic gifts!
To order any kind of road-legal number plate through us, follow these steps:
To place an order, you will need the following documents and information at-hand:
Number plates are not always cheap, and this does need to be factored into your decision. At the Number Plate Clinic, we don’t have a problem admitting that we aren’t the cheapest place you can go for your plates – but we do offer the highest quality plates that you will come across. For us, higher price = higher quality, and we are committed to only offering the best.
With that being said, what are the different types of number plates and their costs? Prices vary depending on the design and types of number plates, but you can expect prices within the range of £70 to £165 for 4D plates, which is at the higher end of the plate price point. For 3D gel plates, you will pay between £60 and £65, and standard plates cost just £30 for a pair.
Don’t take our word for it when we say that we only offer the best plates and services. Check out our Google Reviews and see what customers have to say about their experiences for yourself.
“Popped down to store & ordered front & rear 3D Gel plates & a standard plate for my trailer, was really helpful when selecting what I wanted, was ready the same day, was going away so didn’t pick them up, came back today and they fitted them for me with no issues at all, very helpful staff would highly recommend using NPC.”
-Stuart Taylor
“I came to Number Plate Clinic after seeing their AD on Instagram. The team was very supporting helping me choose the perfect plates for my car. I chose the 3MM matte plates which was perfect for my car. They installed the plates professionally and overall I am extremely satisfied with the results. Thank you Number Plate Clinic.”
-Hasim Khan
“I was after a set of plates last minute and dropped in just before the store was closing. The staff were able to help providing honest advice and were very knowledgable about cars and legalities. Really impressed with the overall service and quality of the plates.”
-Umar Khan
Depending on the material used, the base of number plates can be somewhere between 1.5 mm to 6.5 mm thick, and acrylic bases are thicker than aluminium. On top of that, the 4D laser cut characters can add between 3–5mm of thickness, depending on which design you opt for.
Your order will be with you within 5 working days. If you order a plate before 12 pm, you can opt for next-day delivery with us.
We always recommend using super strong double-sided sticky pads for number plate installation, as this will not cause any damage to your plate. This is great for all styles of number plates, but is particularly important for 4D plates, as drilling through them can damage the plate beyond repair.
Different types of plate styles include standard printed, 3D, 4D, 4D gel, glitter, tinted, carbon effect, hexagonal, short, and oversized plates. Not all of these are road legal, so please bear this in mind.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]
