Achieving the correct spacing on your number plate is a critical aspect of ensuring proper registration display. Failure to adhere to these rules could render your plate illegible to automatic number plate recognition (ANPR) cameras, leading to potential consequences such as MOT failure, fines, or even plate confiscation by law enforcement.
In this blog post, we'll delve into the intricacies of number plate spacing laws in the UK (especially with private number plates), covering essential information that spans various vehicle categories, including motorcycles, and those registered before 2001 and 1973.
Understanding Number Plate Spacing Laws in the UK
According to the DVLA INF104 document, vehicles with number plates fitted after September 2001 must comply with specific spacing requirements:
- Character Height: 79mm
- Character Width: 50mm
- Character Stroke (Thickness of Black Print): 14mm
- Space Between Characters: 11mm
- Space Between Age Identifier and Random Numbers: 33mm
- Side Margins: 11mm
- Top and Bottom Margins: 11mm
- Vertical Space Between Age Identifier and Random Numbers: 19mm
For vehicles registered before September 1, 2001, the following rules apply:
- Character Height: 89mm
- Character Width: 64mm
- Character Stroke: 16mm
- Space Between Characters: 13mm
- Space Between Age Identifier and Random Numbers: 38mm
- Side Margins: 13mm
- Top and Bottom Margins: 13mm
- Vertical Space Between Age Identifier and Random Numbers: 19mm
Vehicles registered before January 1, 1973, follow these spacing laws:
- Character Height: 79mm
- Character Width: 57mm
- Character Stroke: 14mm
- Space Between Characters: 11mm
- Space Between Age Identifier and Random Numbers: 33mm
- Side Margins: 11mm
- Top and Bottom Margins: 11mm
- Vertical Space Between Age Identifier and Random Numbers: 19mm
Number Plate Spacing for Motorcycles and Tricycles
Motorcycle and tricycle number plates have distinct spacing laws due to their display across two lines:
- Character Height: 64mm
- Character Width: 44mm (except number 1 or letter I)
- Character Stroke: 10mm
- Space Between Characters: 10mm
- Space Between Age Identifier and Random Numbers: 30mm
- Side Margins: 11mm
- Top and Bottom Margins: 11mm
- Vertical Space Between Age Identifier and Random Numbers: 13mm
Legal Implications of Altering Number Plate Spacing
It is crucial to note that changing the spacing on your number plate is illegal. Altering the spacing can misrepresent the numbers and letters, violating the Road Vehicles (Display of Registration Marks) Regulations. These regulations govern the proper display, design, and manufacture of number plates.
Impact on MOT Testing
Incorrectly spaced number plates can result in an MOT failure. To pass the test, plates must meet additional requirements, including being made of reflective material and adhering to specific color combinations for front and rear plates.
Penalties for Non-Compliance
Violating number plate spacing laws can lead to serious consequences. Fines of up to £1,000 may be imposed, and your vehicle may fail its MOT test. Additionally, your registration may face permanent withdrawal, and if your plate is confiscated, any initial investment made in the plate will not be refunded.
In conclusion, maintaining the correct number plate spacing is not only a legal requirement but also a crucial aspect of ensuring the readability of your vehicle's registration. Understanding and adhering to these laws will help you avoid legal penalties, pass MOT tests, and contribute to safer road practices.
How can Right Reg help?
At Right Reg, we ensure that all of the new number plates we provide for private plate owners are delivered within regulations and to the proper spacing laws. This will give you the peace of mind that any new personalised reg plate bought from Right Reg will be completely road legal when it is added to your car.
Discover more about our plates in our private number plates for sale section.