Black and Silver Number Plates Law UK

Here you can get the latest information about the Black and Silver Number Plates Law in The UK. Classic cars that become tax-exempt when they reach 40 years old will no longer automatically be allowed to display retro black and silver number plates. The new rule, which came into force on January 1, means only models built before January 1, 1980, can continue using classic plate designs.

The DVLA has allowed ‘historic vehicles’ alone to use this style of plates. But what do we mean by ‘historic’? Well. The official release from the DVLA has stated that any bike registered before 1 January 1980 can display black and silver number plates.

If you’re lucky enough to own one of these historic bikes, then you can have the plates – these are black plates with either grey, white or silver lettering. However, if you see a modern bike with one of these plates, it is most likely illegal. The rider is taking a huge risk, and the police will stop and question them!

According To the Black and Silver Number Plate Law

The historic black and silver number plate has been around since 1903 and was issued in the UK following the Motor Car Act 1903 as a means to ensure all vehicles could be legally recognised in the event of a road traffic collision, or could be recovered if stolen.

However, from the 1st January 2021, there was a change and going forward, any vehicle constructed after 1 January 1980 is now ineligible to display the black and silver number plate despite being recorded in the DVLA’s historic tax class.