Vehicle Number Plates

Compare our online insurance providers quote with yours - Talk Once car insurance

At the car insurance news desk we have been looking at the great subject of the private vehicle number plate and the lengths some people will go to for trying to readjust their vehicle number plates to try and give it that private look. The problem is most drivers who try and accommodate this are actually creating illegal vehicle number plates.

There are strict guidelines and regulations for vehicle number plates in the UK but over the past few years this element of the law has unfortunately been somewhat neglected by the authorities. Vehicle number plates in the United Kingdom have to confirm to standard BS AU145d which effectively lays down all the specifications for the way in which the vehicle number plates have to be laid out and presented.

Many motorists are unfortunately unaware of these requirements and will literally butcher their plates to give it that individual look. The following specifications are law:

Mandatory standard font (Italics and stylised fonts are illegal)

• Font height - 79mm
• Character width - 50mm
• Space between characters - 11mm
• Space between groups - 33mm

These are legal requirements for all cars registered after the 1st Jan 1973 (expect for motor cycles).

The requirement to have vehicle number plates set out in this standard is ever more important now because the use of ANPR, automatic number plate recognition which is now widely used by Police forces through Britain. Motorists beware, if you have altered your vehicle number plates or bought a car with altered plates, get them check today at an authorised plate dealer otherwise you could fall foul of the law and incur a nasty fine.

related help and information articles

the association of british insurers | the british insurance brokers association | biba conference 2007 | birth of the motor car | car check | cheaper premiums | car insurance policy | catch all pages | complaints procedure | composite insurers | how to save on car insurance | identity fraud | insurance broking | glossary of insurance terms | legal expenses insurance | motor insurance bureau | motor insurance law | niche insurance | phonetic alphabet | tariff | pass plus | vehicle history checker | vehicle check | pay as you go car insurance | brake | car insurance advertising | vehicle number plates | vehicle security | car safety checks | environmental issues | losing your driving licence | mot advice | mobility scheme for young disabled drivers