What are show plates when it comes to number plates?

You might have seen this term, “show plates”, used in various places on the internet and in discussions on car related forums and found yourself wondering what on earth is meant by this term. Well, I can quash any wonder as to whether these so called show plates are going to be donning a frilly dress and performing the can can.

The term, in fact, comes from the idea that these number plates are only to be used at car shows, as they are not road legal. Show plates is a term that encompasses any number plate which does not follow the legal standard for number plates as set by DVLA. These plates may be spaced in an illegal way, lack the required legal text along the bottom of the plate, feature alternative personalised text at the bottom, use a tinted acrylic or present any number of other features that make them illegal for road use.

Can I use show plates on the road?

No, show plates are not legal for road use as they do not conform to the DVLA standard for number plates. They are a suitable reason for the Police to pull you over and issue a fine for displaying incorrect number plates.

Will show plates pass an MOT?

Also no, show number plates will not pass an MOT for the same reason as above, they aren’t road legal and therefore will be a failure on your MOT test.

Why do people buy show plates?

Show plates can be used to give your car that extra little unique detail when you’re displaying your pride and joy at a car show, be it through displaying tinted plates which match your ‘stealth’ look car, or spacing the letters differently to make your registration look like a particular word. There are many other reasons why people may choose to buy show plates.

Is it legal to produce show plates?

No - it is illegal for any individual or company in the United Kingdom to produce number plates which do not conform to the British Standard for number plates.