Number Plates the DVLA view
Why do we need number plates and registration marks?
Registration marks are needed so that a vehicle can be easily identified.
Number plates must be easy to read for many reasons but it is most important
for the police. The police often rely on witnesses to remember the number
plate if they are to solve a crime. This ranges from motoring offences
to some very serious crimes where a vehicle has been involved. Solving
these crimes can depend on someone remembering a registering mark or even
part of it.
What is a 'Q' registration number?
These are a very useful consumer protection aid.
A 'Q' number is a clear indicator to a prospective purchaser that the
age or identity of a vehicle is unknown. The vehicle may be rebuilt from
parts, some or all of which may not be new. This also applies to vehicles
imported without supporting evidence to identify the vehicles age.
How do I buy a registration number?
The DVLA offers prefix and new style personalised registrations for sale
through a telesales facility, which gives a huge choice from just £250
(all-inclusive). Just telephone us on 0870 6000 142 between 9.00am and
5.00pm Monday to Friday and 9.00am and 1.00pm Saturday.
How was this new format chosen?
A consultation exercise in 1997 invited the public and interested
organisations to give their views. The system that has been developed
meets the needs of the vast majority of respondents in providing local
memory tags and age identifiers. These will be easy to remember and require
no significant changes in materials or overall number plate size.
Why did my region get the letter that has been assigned to it?
An extensive public consultation exercise took place in 1999
before the allocation of the local memory tags. They have been allocated
so that, where possible, there is some regional significance. Where this
is not possible a neutral letter has been allocated.
Why have you started the numbers from 51?
The age identifier changes twice a year, in March and September.
To distinguish between these two six monthly changes they have been allocated
different number sequences. The following table shows how this will be
achieved:
The use of the figure 5 to precede the year, for September registrations,
will maximise the registration mark combinations and offer a long-lasting
system. The 5 will change to 6 in 2010 and to 7 in 2020 and so on until
2050 when the format may be reversed to extend the format another 50 years.
Will I be able to transfer a new style mark onto my old vehicle?
No, registration marks cannot be transferred onto any vehicle if it may
appear to make the vehicle look younger. No vehicle first registered before
1 September 2001 will be able to have a new style mark.
I live in the Isle of Wight, will there still be a distinct mark
for the Isle?
Yes. The letters 'HW' will be used for vehicles registered by
Isle or Wight residents
I live in the Scilly Isles, will there still be a distinct mark
for the Islands?
No, there is no longer a unique mark for the Scilly Isles.
Is the system going to change in Northern Ireland, the Channel
Islands and the Isle of Man as well?
No, the systems will continue as at present in Northern Ireland,
the Channel Islands and the Isle of Man. The Isle of Man may choose to
adopt the system later and a series of marks has been reserved.
Why is it necessary to have a common font for all number plates?
Number plates must be easy to read - by people who may witness
accidents or serious crime involving motor vehicles and by roadside cameras.
The police rely on clear recall of registration numbers in order to trace
vehicle keepers.
Why did the rule on fonts change?
An increasing number of motorists use number plates that are
difficult to read. The introduction of cameras for enforcement purposes
means that it is more important than ever for number plates to be legible.
The new regulations will ensure that there is clarity of numbers and letters
through the use of a standardised mandatory font.
Will motorists have to change their existing number plates to
the new font?
The vast majority of motorists will not be directly affected
by the regulations. However those motorists who have number plates that
are not substantially the same as the new mandatory font should change
them for plates that comply with new regulations. Once the new font becomes
compulsory existing number plates using any typeface that is not substantially
the same as that specified in the regulations will be illegal.
Are motorists with “cherished” registration marks
be affected by the new mandatory font?
Providing their number plates currently meet the legal requirements
the mandatory font will not affect them.
My vehicle was manufactured before 1 January 1973 but not registered
until later. What type of number plate should I display?
You now have the option of either displaying the standard plates
or an old style number plate explained under the heading vehicles registered
before 1 January 1973.
Is it legal to display the Euro-symbol?
Yes - Regulations permit the optional display of the European
Symbol of Stars with GB on the extreme left of the number plate.
Are there plans to make the Euro-plate compulsory?
No, it is optional. The provision has been introduced because
the European Council issued a regulation in November 1998 requiring Member
States to recognise the Euro-symbol on number plates in place of the traditional
oval shaped national identifier sticker for travel within the European
Union. It is for individual motorists to decide if they wish to use the
new Euro-plate.
What is the effect of the Euro-plate on UK registered vehicles?
UK vehicles travelling in the European Union may still display
the traditional oval “GB” sticker. Alternatively number plates
incorporating the Euro-symbol may be used instead of the oval sticker.
The oval national identifier sticker would still be required for vehicles
on journeys outside the European Union.
Can other symbols (e.g. national flag, football team crest) be
used on number plates?
The Government announced on 28 December 2001 the intention to
permit the display of national flags and symbols on vehicle number plates.When
the regulations are amended they will provide for the voluntary display
of the Union flag, Scottish Saltire, Cross of St George and Red Dragon.
Football team crests etc are not allowed.
Do I have to change my number plate if it is cracked or broken?
If the number plate is damaged in such a way that it makes the
registration mark difficult to read it does need to be replaced.
If I need to replace one of my plates, do I need to change both?
No, you only need to replace the damaged number plate.
Are 3D characters allowed?
Registration numbers and letters must be black and non - reflectable.
3D characters are allowed provided the number plate complies with the
British Standard specification (BS AU 145d).
Is a honeycombed or other background pattern permitted?
No, overprinting including honeycomb or other background designs
are not allowed.
Are stick-on number plates legal?
No, number plates must meet the British Standard requirements
and we are not aware of any self-adhesive number plates that are able
to meet these requirements
As you can see there are many rules that you must adhere to, at least
in the DVLA's mind, so please make sure that you are buying your number
plates with the above in mind.
4Plates does not need any documentation, but we must leave it
up to you to ensure you are using the plates legally..
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