Skip to content
Home ยป Are 3D number plates legal?

Are 3D number plates legal?

If you’ve found yourself looking up ‘Are 3D plates legal?’ you’re at the right spot to find the answer in a single, definitive way! The choice of a car modification is a significant choice, and we know that knowing exactly what’s permitted to give you pleasure and pride is crucial.

Modifying your car can be a fantastic method of adding character and style to the standard car. Upgrades to number plates are huge commercial success in UK with more than six million personalized plates that have been issued by the DVLA in the past 30 years. It is true that the world of 3D and 4D number plates is massive and can be customized to convert plates normally offered into sleek accessories that won’t be out of fashion in the latest models.

Why there is so much confusion over these modifications and why should drivers be concerned if they decide to add one to their cars? Let’s explore this together in our most recent blog article.

What is 3D numeral plates?

3D plates are aesthetically created number plates that offer an appearance which is more appealing than the typical product. The plates are made by placing high-performance, long-lasting resin over 3D letters, the plates feature distinctive character profile which gives the vehicle an elegant look. The outlines of the characters in gel provides an easy-to-read appearance which is improved by the durable top layer. This implies that 3D numbers last longer than standard numbers.

The features of a 3-D number plate that we could personalize include:

The top-quality gel characters available in glitter, carbon and galaxy colors for a variety of legal and show plates.
The bordering design that you place on your plate. On our site you can pick from our wide selection of 3D plate border designs that are road-safe and improve visibility.
Choose your plates: Select the front, back or both. In the event that your design is legally acceptable and you want to alter only the one plate should you’d like.

3D numbers can also be frequently used to promote shows. These aren’t legal for use on the road, but they are utilized for shows, promotions and other events. We make it crystal easy to determine which options are legal to ensure that you don’t encounter any unpleasant issues later on.

3D Number Plates The Legal Details

To clarify any confusion 3D plates are 100 100% legal when you adhere to the rules laid out by the DVLA.

The most recent update on UK number plate regulations was announced in 2021. The DVLA developed these guidelines to increase road safety, reduce the amount of illegal vehicle actions, and to eliminate the confusion that drivers expressed. The sector has a value of PS2 billion UK alone and it’s not as if that the government is aiming for the business to stop altogether. Instead, the new regulations were designed to help the growth of the industry by demonstrating to the public how it’s easy to become in compliance.

As a DVLA-certified manufacturer plate numbers, we are pleased to see these new rules come into force, as it provided the additional layer of security to businesses that are reputable like ours. The legal requirements for which number plates needs to be able to adhere to are:

It can be made of reflective materials – to improve road safety
Black display characters with white backgrounds (front plate)
black display characters set against yellow background (rear plate)
Not have a background design so as to not alter the reading ability of your plate
It should be identified as to who provided the plate. This helps in the investigation of thefts and queries about sourcing
The plates will be identified with be identified with a British Standard number – this is ‘BSAU 145e for plates installed after September 1, 2021.
The characters should not be reflective or removable. If your plates were installed at or after September 1st, 2021, they should be one color of black.

In addition to these conditions, custom plates should include the following information:

are 3D (raised) characters that are 3D (raised)
show certain flags, symbols and identifyrs
will flash green if you are driving a zero emission vehicle.

If the regulations have been observed, you’ll be in good shape. Number plates should also be equipped with either a ‘BSAU145d’ or the ‘BSAU 145e’ number that is applied to them. This is only possible to complete by a licence that is legally certified plate seller. These rules all ensure that changes to number plates remain to ensure that cars are legal when they travel to avoid causing problems with other drivers.

In addition to the publication of the new regulations in the month of September, 2021 and March 2022, further regulations were added. The changes to production of number plates are not only legal requirements, but also were developed to ensure that cars are safe and roadworthy for longer periods of time.

These rules stipulate that any number plate, even 3D gel plates, have to be:

They are also made tougher to ensure that they are able to take on hits and abrasive materials that may be encountered along UK roads.
Only one colour is allowed because two tones are considered to be a problem in dealing with various lighting sources and bad weather. Gel and acrylic lettering is still legal but it must be single tone in order to qualify as a legal plate. Show plates be, however, allowed to feature more imaginative designs.
Location identifiers, such as the address and postal code of the provider, also should be provided.

Why do we have so many questions regarding how 3D figures are legal?

One reason why there is a lack of clarity on whether or not it is legal to use 3D number plates could be the constantly evolving kinds of modifications appearing on the market. This is the reason we have made it our aim to provide the best service that is as transparent as it can be regarding the legality of 3D number plates and what is only used to create display plates.

Certain rules can also leave possibility of confusion, for instance the coloration of the characters on plates. There is a misperception that an elevated profile can only be achieved by using dual colour. However, issues like this could cause people to be concerned about whether their plates are legal. This is why it is important to consider a certified DVLA garage to do the job for you, since the paperwork that goes with it is as crucial as the plate itself.

Can a 3D number plate be able to pass an MOT?

As a legally-compliant component that is part of the vehicle we confirm that the 3D plates that are certified will successfully pass an MOT. A test that is conducted annually to make sure each vehicle is safe to be used in UK roadways, Ministry of Transport checks are a must be considered.

The factors that could cause a number plate fail an MOT check include:

The number is believed to be not durable and is at risk of being ripped off from the vehicle.
The characters on the number plate are missing or not legible as per the rules set out by the DVLA
The registration details that are incorrect are displayed.

Additionally, even though the information such as the logos and names of the supplier aren’t checked in an MOT test, a trained garage is able to identify these issues and let you know that something needs to be altered. If your license plate is found to be in violation and you are found to be in violation, you will not only get an PS1000 fine and your car is also likely to fail its MOT and is not permitted to use in any way until the issue is solved.

What are the expectations when you purchase a 3D number plate?

Another way to know the legitimacy of your manufacturer or not is in the order process. This is because you will be required to submit certain documentation as the legitimate owner to fulfill the DVLA specifications that the manufacturer has to be able to. This further reinforces the truth the 3D plates are legal purchase.

When you order a custom-designed plate, you’ll need to provide the followingdetails:

You can prove of your ownership by using either the V5C logbook or V5CNI and V5C/2, or V5C/2NI slip for keeper, or the V778 certificate.
An ID card that confirms your identity and name such as your driver’s license, passport or utility bill

After your plate is made and placed in place Once it’s installed, you’ll receive a supporting document that includes the information of the manufacturer. It can be shown at any time when the legality of your plate is ever stated.

Are 3D number plates legal? They are, indeed legal!

I hope you’ve realized that these elegant car modifications are totally legal when done by a professional who is certified. The upgrade of your car doesn’t require the expense of a new one with these beautiful kinds of upgrades.

As licensed producers of plates We’re always available to address any questions you may have and to explain to you precisely what constitutes your plate a legally-approved product.