Answering questions about number plates; the law

At Utopia Plates, we often receive the same questions when it comes to number plate legality and what can or cannot be customised. As such, we are producing this blog post to feature some of the more common questions.

Can I have a slogan on the bottom of my number plates?

No; unfortunately having a slogan along the bottom of your plate is not legal, as the plate should only feature the producer details (Utopia Plates & postcode) and the plate manufacturer details and the BSAU standard number.

Can I space my private number plates however I want to?

If you want your plates to be road legal, they must be spaced correctly based on the DVLA standard. This means having the space in the correct position. If you specify your registration in a non-standard way, they will not be road legal and would only be sold on the basis that they are used solely for ‘show’, for example at car shows.

Can I have my number plates tinted?

Tinted number plates are not road legal. The DVLA and police class this as obstructing the readability of the number plate, as UK number plates have to have a very high reflective level. Additionally, the darkened background of a tinted plate can make the registration difficult to read. As such, we do not produce tinted number plates.

Can I have my number plates shortened?

Yes! Shortening your number plates is legal, as we still follow the DVLA standard for spacing on the plates. On either side of your number plate characters will be the correct measurement of spacing to make them legal. You can rest assured that these are legal.

Can my number plates have carbon fibre style letters and numbers?

Previously, having carbon fibre letters and numbers on your number plates was legal. However, with the new DVLA standard (BSAU 145e) for number plates, these will no longer be legal. We do not supply these styles of letters at Utopia Plates.

Do I have to display a front number plate in the UK?

Sadly, we must display a front number plate in the UK by law. This is an unfortunate law given that so many cars look much better without a front number plate, however the law is the law and if you don’t obey it, you may be targeted by the Police for a ticket!

Do number plates have to have the writing on the bottom of them?

For your number plates to be legal, they are required to display the producer details (Utopia Plates), number plate manufacturer details, and the BSAU standard that they conform to. If the plates do not contain these details, they are not legal for road use and will have been sold as show plates.

Can I use tactical placement of a screw to make my registration look different?

If you use your screws or any other tactic to attempt to change the look of your registration, you would be seen as presenting an incorrect or misleading registration and this is therefore illegal.