[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Will my MOT fail if I have 4D plates? What are the number plate regulations in the UK? Read this to find out everything you need to know and be better informed.
MOT tests are a crucial part of owning a vehicle once it reaches three years old in most of the UK and four years old in Northern Ireland. But, what if you have 4D number plates? If you have been worrying and asking yourself the question, ‘will my MOT fail if I have 4D plates’, then maybe we can help you out.
Here, we will go through what you need to know about 4D plates, as well as information on MOT tests. By the end, you’ll be a certified pro, and know exactly what you should and shouldn’t do. If you have any questions by the end, or want to get some legal 4D plates, why not get in touch?
4D plates are a step up from the well-loved 3D plates. These number plates stand directly out of the background and are not flat. As such, if you were to shine a light on them, they would cast a shadow.
Typically laser cut with acrylic, 4D plates are three-dimensional and add a touch of class to a vehicle’s overall look. While their differences to 3D number plates might initially be minimal, once to spot it, you will always be able to tell.
Yes, 4D plates are absolutely legal and can be seen by cameras on the road. However, there are very strict number plate rules and regulations that you need to follow in order for a number plate to be deemed legal, including the lettering, colours, and spacing used. Any type of plate that doesn’t follow the standards is deemed illegal.
So, if you were worried about these classy plates getting you into trouble, it’s a non-issue, provided they are within the rules of UK number plate laws.
You can find the full breakdown of the rules and regulations that number plates need to follow 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:
Your number plate can have raised characters (3D and 4D), and it is allowed to display certain identifiers, flags, or symbols. Zero-emission vehicles are also allowed to have a green flash on their plates.
To make sure your number plates are right, find out more about picking the correct dimensions for your vehicle and whether it’s illegal to cut down a number plate or not. You can also find out if you need to declare 4D number plates for insurance purposes, so you can make sure that you’re on the right side of the law.
An MOT test is done annually to make sure that your vehicle meets road safety and environmental standards. The test will include a variety of tests that will impact how safe your vehicle is to use and how damaging it is to the environment.
Dozens of tests will be carried out on your vehicle once it is three years old (or four years old in Northern Ireland). Some of these tests include:
To get an MOT test done, you will need to go to an approved MOT test centre. These centres will have blue signage with three white triangles.
Depending on the type of vehicle that needs to have its MOT, charades can vary. There is a maximum charge for any time of vehicle, and you don’t have to pay VAT on top of the fee.
The most an MOT will cost for a car is £54.85, and for a standard motorbike it’s £29.65. However, prices can vary depending on where you go, and you can usually get discounts for MOT tests. You can find a full list of maximum MOT costs on the government website.
The average time for an MOT is anywhere between 45 minutes to one hour, but this can depend on the vehicle and any issues that are found.
Your MOT will only fail because of your number plates if they are incorrect or illegal. Luckily, 4D number plates themselves are not illegal, so this on its own shouldn’t be an issue at all.
With that being said, if your 4D plates (or any other plates you have) do not follow the rules and regulations laid out by law, then your MOT will fail. This includes having the wrong background, wrong spacing, wrong colour, and a variety of other issues.
So, will my MOT fail if I have 4D plates? Not necessarily! As long as you have the right plates and follow the guidelines when getting them, there will not be an issue with 4D plates.
There seems to be a misconception that 4D plates are a controversial option in the UK, but this is not the case. In fact, 4D plates are usually more visible to ANPR and road cameras, so you don’t need to worry about issues in that area. They hold up well, and it takes more to obscure 4D plates, so they are actually a great option – especially if you drive on dirt roads a lot.
Worried about your MOT failing? We’ve put together some common reasons that you should look out for leading up to your test. Most of the common reasons are so easy to sort out and only take a few minutes of your time, so go over everything before your test is done.
Common reasons for a car failings its MOT include:
Here at the Number Plate Clinic, we have everything number plate-related you could ask for. From our fantastic products to our guides on things like finding the perfect number plate to fitting 4D plates, there’s a lot for you to check out. We even answer your burning questions, like the most expensive private number plate to ever be sold in the UK – go on, we know you’re curious.
Check out our workshop or speak with customer service if you need assistance with anything. You can even join our affiliate program and enjoy a generous 10% commission on all sales, plus a whole range of other benefits.
To learn more, read about our terms and conditions, privacy policy, and refund policy. Now that you have an answer to ‘will my MOT fail if I have 4D plates’, why not find out more? See what the Number Plate Clinic can offer you, and get your next set of custom plates – 2D, 3D, or 4D plates, we have it all.
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