DVLA Number Plate Guidelines

When purchasing number plates from anywhere it is always important to know DVLA's legal requirements. General: All vehicles must display a number plate where appropriate at the standard font sizing. Character Height: 64 mm Character Width (except the figure 1 or letter I): 44 mm Character stroke: 10 mm Space between characters: 10 mm Space between groups: 30 mm Top, bottom, and side margins (minimum): 11 mm Space between vertical lines: 13 mm Flags: Since 1st September 2001 you have been able to choose to display a Euro flag, for vehicles registered in the UK. The Euro-plate is a number plate that has the symbol of the European Union (a circle of 12 stars on a blue background) with the national identification letters of the member states below it (for example GB). This symbol is located on the far left-hand side of the number plate. Vehicles displaying this Euro symbol on the number plate no longer have to use the traditional oval shaped national identifier (GB) sticker when travelling within the European Union. All vehicles registered in England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales have, by international convention, the distinguishing sign GB. On 28 December 2001, the Government announced the intention to permit the display of national flags and national identifiers on vehicle number plates. The Road Vehicles (Display of Registration Marks) Regulations 2001 are in the process of being 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. Font: All number plates made after 31st August 2001 must display the mandatory font. Stylised letters (or fixing bolts which alter appearance of letters) are not allowed. Number plates made prior to this date must be substantially the same. Examples of the font can be seen here: British Standard: This sets out the physical characteristics of the number plate. This includes visibility, strength and reflectivity. The British Standard also requires each number plate to be permanently and legibly marked with the following information: The British Standard number (currently BS AU 145d) The name, trademark or other means of identification of the manufacturer or number plate supplier Name and postcode of the supplying outlet Legal: It is an offence to alter, rearrange or misrepresent letters or numbers in order to form names or words or in such a way that makes it difficult to read the registration. Characters must not be moved from one block to the other e.g. AB51 DVL must not be displayed as AB5 1DVL or AB 51DVL. Vehicles with illegal displayed number plates may FAIL the MOT test. The police can also issue a fixed penalty fine for illegally displayed number plates. Offenders are liable to a MAXIMUM FINE of £1,000 and in some cases the mark may be withdrawn. Go back to the number plates homepage to purchase your perfect road legal plate.