[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Read this article to learn how to avoid fines with properly fitted 3D gel number plates, what to be careful of, and what you should be aware of.
Knowing how to avoid fines with properly fitted 3D gel number plates can save you a lot of time, effort, and money – but what are the specifics? Are there rules you need to follow when fitting your plates, or even ordering them? We will go through everything you need to be aware of so that you can enjoy your number plates without fear of the law.
At Number Plate Clinic, we explore everything you could want to know about number plates. From how to personalise 3D gel plates for special occasions and comparing the cost of 3D gels to other plates, to the environmental benefits of 3D gel plates and how they impact a vehicle’s resale value.
If you want to learn more about 3D gel number plates, find out about their history and evolution, why people choose them over standard plates, and their benefits. We also cover the durability of 3D gel number plates, and what you should do if your plates get stolen – so there is plenty to learn about if you’re interested.
An Introduction to 3D Gel Number Plates
3D gel number plates are also called 3D gel resin or 3D domed gel plates. They are made with the usual sheet base and the plate 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 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.
3D Gel Number Plates Are Road Legal
3D gel number plates are 100% legal in the UK, provided you follow the rules and regulations that have been set out by the government. Cameras, ULEZ, and ANPR can all see 3D gel number plates very well – if they couldn’t, these plates would not be legal in the first place.
However, since 3D gel plates are a modification, it’s worth declaring that you have 3D plates when you are doing your insurance. While not every insurer will care, some will want to know this information, so it’s better to mention it so that you don’t run into any issues down the line.
Below are the number plate regulations that will determine if a number plate is road legal or not:
- 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
Make sure that you get your plates from a trusted supplier, or else you could quickly find yourself with a fine, points on your licence, and potentially even a court case.
How to Avoid Fines with Properly Fitted 3D Gel Number Plates
If you want to know how to avoid fines with properly fitted 3D gel number plates, all you need to do is make sure that your plates are legal in the first place, and that they are secured to your vehicle properly and level. This can be done using sticky pads (our preferred method), or with screws.
You can also use number plate holders – which are perfectly legal – to add more security to your plate.
You cannot use materials like double-sided tape or Blu Tack, as these simply don’t cut it. If you use screws on your plate, you run the very real risk of misaligning your plate to the vehicle. If this happens, you will likely need to order a whole new plate – so using sticky pads saves time and money, but it’s also far less stressful.
Fitting Your Plates isn’t Something to be Nervous About
Fitting your number plates is easier than you might think, so we’re going to go through what you need to know below. If you have been worried about fitting your plates, we’re here to simplify it for you.
At Number Plate Clinic, we believe that sticky number plates are best since they don’t damage your plate in any way. They won’t be flagged by MOT, and they are perfectly secure – especially if you use accessories like plate holders to add some extra security.
To remove sticky plates, all you need to do is gently grab the plate and pull it away from the car, and it will come right off.
Unfortunately, this does pose the risk of security for your plate – if you can pull it off so easily, so can thieves. Because of this, you can use a number plate holder to help make it more secure and deter any illicit activity.
When installing your sticky plate using double-sided sticky pads for number plate installation, clean and dry the area of the vehicle, then carefully line up where the sticky pads need to go to get a level plate. This allows for a quick and easy process without needing to drill holes into your plate.
The best way to apply these will be to stick them onto the number plate, heat them up slightly and then heat the surface of the vehicle where they will be applied. When you install this number plate, make sure to firmly hold or press it against the vehicle to allow it to stick properly. Do this for 1– 1 ½ minutes, and you will be good to go.
Other Rules and Restrictions to Remember
It’s important that your number plate is level when you install it. If your plate is road-legal and was bought from a trusted supplier like us, there shouldn’t be any other issues for you to really worry about.
Keep the plate clean and in good condition, carry out maintenance when needed, and you should avoid any kinds of fines.
With that being said, there have been cases of people receiving fines for plates that are perfectly legal from law enforcement. If this happens to you, and you know your plates are legal, make sure you dispute the fine or decision, and get to the bottom of the issue.
Get Your New Number Plates at Number Plate Clinic
It’s crucial that you take the time to fit your number plates well, no matter what style they are. If a plate isn’t correctly fitted, it can land you in a lot of trouble, and it might not be visible to cameras. While this might sound appealing at first, there are many legal repercussions to remember, and you will be hit with fines or worse if you don’t comply with the law.
For those interested, we have articles on how to spot high-quality 3D gel plates, how they are manufactured, if they make a good gift, and what makes them stand out on the road.
We also let you know how to remove and replace 3D gel plates, how to make them last longer, and if they are suitable for motorcycles – so if you need help, we have plenty of articles that could be answering the question that you’re asking.
So, if you have been asking yourself how to avoid fines with properly fitted 3D gel number plates, now you have your answer, and it’s simpler than you might have thought. Hopefully this helps, and you can go enjoy your number plate in peace.
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