If you’re hunting for a new number plate for your vehicle, you’ll have noticed that there are a host of private number plates for sale. The most common type of plate that vehicles use is a standard flat-plate style, but there are new types of plates that are entering the market.
3D number plates have become a more popular option in recent years, but now 4D number plates are becoming increasingly popular across the UK. In this guide, we look at 4D number plates in the UK and the rules around them.
What are 4D number plates?
4D number plates are an upgrade of the 3D plates, and they are built using professionally laser-cut acrylic letters. The characters on these new 4D plates are in the compulsory black typeface.
The new 4D plates can be customised and purchased in several different finishes that add an extra gloss or frosting, although it is worth checking that the style you are looking at is legal on the roads.
The 4D plates are configurable to any of your number plate designs, and the raised 4D style can add an even more personal touch to your bespoke design.
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Are 4D number plates legal?
A common question that people ask when it comes to this type of car plate is, ‘are 4D number plates legal’? The simple answer is yes, so long as the 4D car number plates meet all the other BS AU 145e legal requirements, such as whether they are made from reflective material with solid-black non-reflective lettering and with no background pattern.
The DVLA has deemed 3D number plate designs as road legal if they conform to government regulations, meaning they are easy to read by authorities and other motorists during both day and night. With this being the case, the same rules apply to the legality of 4D plates.
So, your 4D car number plates should abide by the following rules:
- Characters on your number plate should be in black on a white plate at the front of your vehicle and black on a yellow plate at the rear.
- Plates should be manufactured from reflective material.
- Characters should follow the rules regarding the size of letters and numbers, as well as the margins around them. Characters should be printed in Charles Wright font, with characters 79mm in height, 50mm in width, and a space between them of 11mm.
- There should be no background pattern.
- The plates should be marked to show who supplied the number plate.
- They should be marked with a British Standard number - this is ‘BS AU 145e’ for plates fitted after 1 September 2021.
Whether you are looking to buy cherished registrations or another type of plate from us here at Right Reg, you will not need to worry about whether your plates are legal, as our experts will ensure they follow all the regulations.
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How much do 4D number plates cost?
The cost for a standard ABS number plate with the 4D text style usually costs around £25, but this can differ depending on what you want. When you add different plate materials, and borders, this can increase and decrease the price.
It is recommended that you opt for the highest quality 4D number plates that are roadworthy, and it is essential that you check this before making a purchase.
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Can I buy 4D acrylic number plates online?
The simple answer to this question is yes. There are many places online where you can buy 4D plates, but you should check the design you are buying. There are 4D show plates that you can buy online, and these are not legal for the road and instead are bought to display at trade shows or in a house or workplace. Even if you are buying 4D show plates, you will still need documentation with these if they display a road legal registration.
You can order 4D number plates from Right Reg here.
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How to fit 4D number plates?
If you are not confident or don’t know how to fit a number plate, the best option to fit 4D number plates is to get a professional to do it to avoid damaging it.
There are, however, a couple of ways you can fit a 4D plate to your car, including:
- Sticky pads – Sticky fixing kits are available online and are a simple way to attach a plate to your car. They use double-sided pads that stick and hold a plate against the car. You will need to make sure the surface where the sticky pad is going to go is clean, and there isn’t any dirt or oil.
- Number plate holder – This can be a secure way of fixing your reg to your car with an added aesthetic bonus. A plate holder may be more appealing for drivers who don’t trust the idea of sticky pads. You should double-check that the holder you are buying is good quality.
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This guide has answered some of the most frequently asked questions regarding 4D number plates in the UK. If you have any questions about the increasingly popular 4D number plates or any other type of plate you wish to buy or sell, you can contact us at 01526 353111.
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