[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Is it true 4D plates are going to become illegal? Should you be worried? We will tell you what you need to know and settle your concerns.
There are always rumours of new laws being introduced and changes being made. Recently, there has been speculation about our beloved number plates – is it true 4D plates are going to become illegal?
At Number Plate Clinic, we seek to answer all the questions you could have about number plates – from fitting 4D plates to finding the perfect plates for you, we want to help. As the best alternative to Halfords, we want to make sure you are kept in the look and know everything there is to know.
So, is it true 4D plates are going to become illegal in the UK? Read on to find out what you should be aware of.
For many years, 4D plates have been at the heart of all kinds of speculation in the world of vehicles. Now, there is more speculation about these plates becoming illegal – but why?
Some could argue that 4D plates might become illegal because the characters can fall off the plates too easily, or the characters can be raised too high to obscure readability. Everyone will have their own opinion.
In reality, there is no real reason for 4D plates to become illegal under any new laws in the UK. This is because 4D plates can actually be beneficial – they stay clean for longer and stand out more, making it easier for cameras to pick up.
If you want the full picture on whether 4D plates are going to become illegal, just keep reading.
In late 2021 4D number plates became legal under new number plate regulations. However, this is only the case provided that the number plate follows the rules set out by the government. If these rules are not followed, then the number plate – 4D or not – is deemed illegal.
There are several different types of number plates that you could opt for nowadays. Some are basic, while others add something a little extra to your vehicle.
Types of number plates include:
A step-up from the popular 3D number plates, 4D plates have gained popularity over recent years since they became legal to have. The characters on these plates stand directly out of the background instead of being flat. This means that if you were to shine a light on the plate, the characters would cast a shadow.
These plates are laser cut with acrylic and are three-dimensional, adding some added class to your vehicle’s overall look. At first glance, it might be difficult to tell the difference between a 3D and 4D plate, but once you learn how to differentiate them, you will forever be on the lookout.
Unsurprisingly, 4D plates are perfectly visible to cameras, and they are made using fully DVLA-compliant and legal materials – provided you get them from a registered seller like us. However, as getting these plates is considered a modification to your vehicle, you should declare them when you do your vehicle insurance. Any plate other than the standard printed plate should count as a modification, so always keep this in mind when looking at dimensional plates.
You can find the number plate rules and regulations on the government website, but we’ll provide you with a quick breakdown here.
The number plates used on your vehicle, no matter the type, needs to:
A number plate is allowed to have raised characters (3D and 4D), and can display certain identifiers, flags, or symbols. However, you are not allowed to tamper with the plates in any way, including fonts, cutting it down, changing the colours, characters, or adding non-standard designs or symbols to the plate. Electric vehicles are allowed to have a green plate to signify this and set them apart from other cars.
Number plates must be made from a material that’s reflective and display black lettering or characters in the Charles Wright 2001 font. The rear plate must be yellow, while the front is white, and there can be no background patterns. All plates fitted after September 2001 must be marked with a British Standard Number, and must show the plate supplier.
In short – no. At least, there is nothing to suggest that 4D plates are going to become illegal again after the recent number plate laws. Anything you hear about 4D plates becoming illegal in the UK is just speculation, but it doesn’t have any reputable source.
So, you can rest easy with your trendy, and very much legal, 4D plates without a problem. You won’t fail your MOT with them, and you shouldn’t get stopped or fined because of them (provided officers have remained up-to-date with the law).
Yes, 4D plates are very much visible to cameras – even more so than regular printed plates. These plates are easier to pick up, making them an advantage on the roads. ANPR can pick up the plates without a problem, so this concern would not be any reason for you to think that 4D plates may become illegal.
Not only that, but 4D plates tend to get dirty slower, and it takes more muck to cover up the number plate. Because of this, these plates could actually help prevent you from being fined for having your plate obscured.
4D plates are sometimes referred to as 5D plates, but don’t worry – they’re the same thing. These plates only recently got legalised, but there are plenty of number plate rules you need to follow to make sure that they are legal.
At Number Plate Clinic, you can get high-quality, hassle-free number plates in no time. We offer a range of 2D, 3D & 4D (sometimes called 5D) plates in our shop, and we can dispatch them on the same day if you order before 2pm. If you want to buy 4D plates from us – don’t worry – they are still very much legal, and there is nothing to suggest that is going to change any time soon.
Feel free to read through our terms and conditions, privacy policy and refund policy before making a purchase. You can also learn about our workshop and affiliate program, or find out more by speaking with our customer service if you want to purchase high-quality, DVLA-compliant number plates
At Number Plate Clinic, we cover a range of number plate-related topics in our blogs, too, from the most expensive private UK number plate to be sold to all the new private plate laws coming into effect in 2024 that you should know about.
So, is it true 4D plates are going to become illegal? There is nothing to suggest that this is the case, and with the laws only recently changing to legalise them, it wouldn’t make sense for this to happen. You can rest easy knowing that your 4D plates are legal – at least for now.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]
