Important Notice to Drivers Regarding Updated Regulations for Number Plates in 2021
Motorists are being strongly advised to inspect their number plates to eliminate the potential risk of incurring significant fines or failing their car’s MOT test.
The experts at National Numbers, a leading provider of personalized registrations, have issued a warning to drivers, emphasizing the importance of ensuring their number plates comply with the latest legal requirements. This is especially crucial for those who purchased a new vehicle or replaced their plates after September 2021 when the regulations were updated.
Under the revised laws, the use of number plates with printed 3D-style digits or two-tone effects, such as carbon fibre plates with black and grey lettering, has been prohibited. The new regulations now mandate the use of solid black digits, guaranteeing a distinct contrast between the background and the letters. This contrast facilitates the clear identification of vehicles by Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) cameras, even at high speeds and during both day and night.
All newly manufactured number plates must adhere to the enhanced British Standard BS AU 145e, which replaced the previous standard, BS AU 145d, two years ago. This change aims to address concerns related to road safety and law enforcement. Plates manufactured to this new standard are also more durable and resistant to abrasion, providing enhanced protection against dirt, road grime, and jet-washing.
David Edwards, the operations director at National Numbers, the UK’s longest-standing personalized registration dealer, stressed the importance of complying with these requirements: “There are still drivers on the road who are unaware of the new regulations, and this puts them at risk of receiving fines that could have easily been avoided. Since the updated regulations have been in effect since late 2021, traffic police are unlikely to be lenient with drivers claiming ignorance after being pulled over. Therefore, National Numbers encourages every driver to ensure their number plates are fully compliant with the law.”
Failure to display number plates correctly can result in fines of up to £1,000, and the vehicle may fail its MOT test. In severe cases, the registration number might be permanently withdrawn. Additionally, insurance companies may take a negative stance on such offenses, potentially refusing to provide coverage following an accident if the number plates do not meet legal requirements.
Thankfully, drivers have several legal options to choose from when replacing their number plates. Traditional acrylic plates with solid black printed digits are widely used and fully compliant with the updated regulations, offering clear visibility and legibility.
An increasing number of drivers are opting for modern alternatives, such as 3D and 4D plates. These plates feature gel digits and solid black acrylic digits, respectively, which provide a distinctive finish. Importantly, these alternatives are permissible as long as the digits cannot be removed.
Car owners are invited to visit our website to explore a wide range of alternative number plate formats.
