Here are some rules from the Driver & Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) to ensure personalised number plates are enjoyed correctly.

Can I change the spacing of the characters to make my number plate make a word? 
No, there are very precise measurements for the characters on a number plate. If your number plate is displayed incorrectly your car will not pass an MOT, you could be fined up to £1,000 and the number plate could be permanently withdrawn without compensation. 

Can I use a number plate to make my car look newer?
No, you cannot use a number plate to make your car appear younger than it actually is. See our list of issue dates for number plates here. (link to page with list of number plate issues years).

Can I put traditional “black and white” number plates on my car?
Yes, if your vehicle is manufactured before 1st January 1973.
If your car is registered in the “Historic Vehicle” tax class and made before 1st January 1980 you can also display traditional plates with white, silver or grey characters on a black background.

What is the current format for UK number plates?
The current format, introduced in 2001, is a seven-character layout:
- Two letters: These are a "local memory tag" that indicates the region where the vehicle was first registered (e.g., 'L' for London, 'Y' for Yorkshire). The letters 'I', 'Q', and 'Z' are not used in this part of the plate.
- Two numbers: This is an "age identifier" that changes twice a year, on March 1st and September 1st.
- For cars registered between March and August, the number is the last two digits of the year (e.g., '25' for 2025).
- For cars registered between September and February of the following year, the number is the year plus 50 (e.g., '75' for September 2025 - February 2026).
- Three letters: This is a random sequence that makes the plate unique. The letters 'I' and 'Q' are not used, and certain combinations that may be deemed offensive are also excluded.

What are the rules for number plate design and display?
To be road legal, UK number plates must:
- Be made of a reflective material.
- Display black characters on a white background for the front plate.
- Display black characters on a yellow background for the rear plate.
- Not have a background pattern.
- Use the standard "Charles Wright" font, with specific requirements for character size, spacing, and stroke width.
- Be marked with the British Standard number, which is 'BS AU 145e' for plates fitted after September 1, 2021.
- Include the name and postcode of the number plate supplier.

What makes a number plate illegal?
You could face a fine of up to £1,000 and your vehicle will fail its MOT test if you use an illegal number plate. Common illegal number plates include those with:
- Incorrect spacing: Altering the spacing to create a word or phrase is not allowed.
- Non-standard fonts: Only the Charles Wright font is permitted.
- Incorrect colours: Front plates must be white, and rear plates must be yellow.
- Tinted or obscured plates: The plate must be clean and clearly readable at all times.
- Non-approved designs: Background patterns, unapproved logos, or graphics (e.g., football club badges, religious symbols) are illegal.
- Non-permanent characters: The characters must be permanently affixed and non-reflective.

Looking to buy a number plate? Brightwells are here to help!
- Brightwells offer regular auctions with a good selection of number plates at great prices.
- Contact us to help you find that perfect plate.

Got a plate to sell? Brightwells are here for you!
- Why not use our free valuation tool to see what your number plate could be worth.

- Ready to sell? Fill in our Auction Entry form

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