[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]4D number plates have a lot of imitators, often coaxing customers in with a price too good to be true. However, if you fall victim to a fake 4D number plate, you may not be able to get off lightly, even if you didn’t know. That’s why being able to spot a fake 4D plate is critical.
In today’s blog, we will answer the question can you spot a fake 4D number plate?
The Number Plate Clinic is an established provider of number plates of many varieties. Whether it’s Gel plates, Bike plates, EV plates, Import plates and much more. As a provider of these plates, we feel like it is best to provide you the information you need when it comes to the services and items we offer.
Why do people buy fake 4D number plates?
Unfortunately, some people may buy 4D number plates from a less than reputable, not legally recognised platemaker for the following reasons:
- They are looking for a cheaper alternative.
- They don’t know the difference or legal requirements when it comes to buying and using a 4D plate.
- The 4D plates are being miss-sold by the platemaker.
Although 4D number plates are legal, they must be manufactured by a legally recognised platemaker. Some shady platemakers can manufacture fake 4D number plates that in some cases are hard to tell apart from the real thing.
What are the risks of using a fake 4D number plate?
Risks of using a fake 4D plate can range from legal ramifications, to cloning risks, ANPR difficulties, and more. Below are the risks you need to be aware of:
- You can be fined heavily, in serious circumstances your registration can be withdrawn, you can also get penalty points, court proceedings or even vehicle seizure.
- ANPR systems can struggle to recognise these plates, resulting in being stopped by the police, or miss due payments for tolls etc.
- Dodgy platemakers, making fake plates, have the potential to clone your plate, resulting in you being incorrectly fined, or even falsely accused of a crime.
- Insurance can be invalidated if you are found to be using a false plate.
- Your plate can be difficult to identify.
Is it easy to notice a fake 4D number plate?
In most cases, it can be easy to notice a fake 4D number plate. However, some illegal manufacturers are more comprehensive than others. In most cases, a fake 4D plate will not comply with DVLA plating regulations, this can be observed via:
- An incorrect font: The DVLA mandates the “Charles Wright 2001” font. Fake plates often use slightly different typefaces, inconsistent letter thickness, or variations that are immediately noticeable to someone familiar with the standard.
- Improper spacings: This is a very common fault. Legal plates have precise spacing between characters (11mm) and between the two groups of characters (33mm). Fakes often have characters too close, too far apart, or deliberately altered spacing to make words or names, which is illegal.
- Missing or incorrect markings: Every legal number plate (including 4D ones) must display:
- The British Standard number (currently BS AU 145e for plates fitted after September 1, 2021) in the bottom right corner.
- The name or trademark of the manufacturer/component supplier (e.g., “Number Plate Clinic”) and their postcode in the bottom centre.
- Missing any of these is a clear sign of an illegal plate. Poorly printed or incorrect versions of these markings are also red flags.
- Character colour/reflectivity (for newer plates): Plates fitted after September 1, 2021, must have solid black characters. If a 4D plate has a coloured layer beneath the acrylic characters (e.g., “neon” or “gel” underlays), it’s illegal. The characters themselves also cannot be reflective.
- Background patterns or logos: Legal plates must have plain white (front) or yellow (rear) reflective backgrounds, with no patterns, images, or logos other than approved national flags. Any fancy background or non-standard border is a giveaway.
- Character dimensions: The height, width, and stroke thickness of characters are strictly regulated. Any deviation from these measurements can make a plate illegal.
- Substandard acrylic and/or adhesive: Legitimate 4D plates use high-quality, durable acrylic and strong automotive-grade adhesive, fake ones might use cheaper, thinner acrylic or weaker glue. This could lead to:
- The acrylic letters might start to lift or fall off.
- Bubbles under the characters, uneven edges, or inconsistent thickness.
- The characters might scratch easily or discolour quickly.
- Reflectivity issues: Legal plates are designed to be highly reflective for visibility at night and by ANPR cameras. Fake plates might use inferior reflective material that doesn’t meet the standard, appearing dull or not reflecting light correctly.
- Overall flimsiness: A legal plate feels sturdy and robust. A fake one might feel flimsy or poorly put together.
In summary, if you are unsure about the quality of a platemaker, even if they are legally recognised, we would strongly recommend that you go to see their creations in person. By doing this, and keeping the points above in mind, you can save yourself any issues that arise from buying a fake 4D number plate.
Can I report a fake 4D number plate?
Yes, a fake 4D number plate can be reported. Whether you believe someone is using one on the road, or if you suspect a manufacturer of making them. The primary way to report such an issue is to the police. This can be done via:
Non-emergency police line (101)
- This is the most direct and common method. Call 101 and explain that you want to report a vehicle with a non-compliant or illegal number plate.
- Provide as much detail as you can, including:
- The registration number of the vehicle (even if it looks altered).
- The make, model, and colour of the vehicle.
- The location where you saw the vehicle (street name, town, specific landmark if possible).
- The date and time you observed it.
- What makes you believe it’s illegal (e.g., “the font looks wrong,” “the spacing is wrong,” “there are no supplier markings,” “it has a pattern on the background,” “the characters aren’t solid black” “The background colour is not white or yellow” etc).
Online reporting:
- Many police forces in the UK now offer online reporting tools for non-emergency incidents.
- Visit your local police force’s website and look for a “Report a crime” or “Report an incident” section. You might find a specific category for vehicle-related offences or number plate issues.
- Fill in the form with all the details mentioned above.
What after a fake 4D plate is reported?
The police may log the details and use ANPR systems to flag the vehicle for a future stop. They might also deploy officers to the area if it’s a known hotspot for such offences. While you might not get a direct update on every single report, your information contributes to intelligence gathering and enforcement efforts.
Where to find legal 4D number plates
Want to upgrade your car’s look? Get premium, DVLA-legal 4D number plates from Number Plate Clinic—crafted to stand out with style and quality
At the Number Plate Clinic, we cover a wide array of options for number plates. As an approved vendor of number plates, we cover everything to Gel plates, to bike plates, square plates and much more beyond buying our plates.
In this blog, we hope to have provided an insight into the question ‘Can you spot a fake 4D plate?’ Whilst providing additional helpful information.
Our options are in accordance with the rules set out by the DVLA. (unless creating a show plate). Explore our unique options today. Need some advice or help? You can contact us by clicking here, alternatively, you can find us at:
101 Tonge Moor Road
Tonge Moor, Bolton
Greater Manchester
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