Are 4D Number Plates Legal?

If you’re hunting for a private number plate for your vehicle, you might have looked at other cars and the plates they’re displaying to help make your selection. Although most of the vehicles on the road utilise the standard flat-plate style, you may have come across some different kinds of registrations on your travels. While 3D number plates have recently become a popular option for those looking for a little extra style, 4D number plates have now entered the market. This new plate style offers an innovative addition to the range of registration designs currently available.

These 4D plates are manufactured from 3mm acrylic characters presented in the required black Charles Wright font, firmly stuck to premium quality acrylic plates with powerful adhesive. As the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) has stated that number plates can be 3D, providing they keep to the laws regulating them, is the same is true of 4D plates?

What are 4D number plates?

4D plates are simply the ‘bigger brother’ of 3D gel plates. They are typically manufactured using professionally laser cut acrylic letters as opposed to the raised gel letters found on 3D plates. While the characters are presented in the compulsory black typeface, they’re often backed by another colour beneath for a stylish ‘3D Plus’ effect not commonly seen on the road. This can be perfect if you’re looking to show off your new private plate and catch the attention of other motorists.

Innovative 4D plates can be found with a variety of different finishes for added customisation. These finishes can add an extra gloss or frosting, creating number plates with a more luxurious appearance.

Are 4D number plates legal?

The DVLA has deemed 3D number plate designs as road legal if they conform to the government regulations. These rules are designed to ensure the plates are easy to read by authorities and other motorists during both day and night. This being the case, the same rules also apply to the legality of 4D plates.

Providing they conform to the rules regulating UK number plates, 4D plates are entirely legal to use on your car. For example, the acrylic characters must be presented in black on a white plate at the front of your vehicle and black on a yellow plate at the rear, both manufactured from reflective material. The characters must also follow the rules that dictate the measurements of letters and numbers, as well as the margins surrounding them.

The 4D characters on your plate must also be in the Charles Wright font to be up to standard. To ensure this, 4D laser-cut number plates are created using professional equipment that provides an exacting standard of laser cutting, precisely matching the Charles Wright Font used as standard on UK number plates.

The material of the plate the 4D characters are attached to must also meet the same high level of British Standard (BS AU 145d) in order to be legal.

If you choose to acquire your new number plates with us online at New Reg, you can avoid the unnecessary stress of whether your plates will be in keeping with the code. Our professional service will make certain that any plates you purchase will adhere to regulations. This means you won’t need to worry whether your registration will result in a failed MOT test or up to £1,000 in fines if stopped on the road by authorities. Benefit from our extensive experience in buying and selling registrations and purchase peace of mind, along with your plates.

Gel Number plates.

UK gel number plates have raised, glossy characters made from a gel resin, offering a premium look while needing to meet DVLA standards for legal use on public roads.

Are 3D Number Plates Legal?

Coinciding with the release of the new 71 registration mark, from the 1st of September 2021, the rules concerning number plate manufacturers has changed. From this date, it is now only legal to display 3D plates if they were manufactured prior to this date. Therefore, it is no longer possible to purchase 3D number plates.

Why choose 3D number plates?

If you’re in the market for new number plates for your car, you’ll understand the government has very specific laws governing them. From the size and shape of the alphanumeric characters displayed on them, to the colour of the plates themselves, there are strict laws to be adhered to. Breaking these rules can result in a failed MOT test or a fine of up to £1,000, if caught by officials.

Despite these rules and regulations, you might be surprised that there are still legal ways to make your plate stand out from those displayed by other cars on the road.

3D number plates and the law

There’s no doubt that 3D-style registrations can be a stylish way to display your car’s index marks, but are 3D number plates legal? The good news is that while they must conform to the rules laid down by the Motor Car Act, 3D plates are fully legal on UK roads as long as they were manufactured before the latest changes in September 2021.

The many rules include your registration being displayed in black characters on a white plate at the front of the vehicle and on a yellow plate at the rear, and the characters shown being of equal height to one another. However, no background patterns such a honeycomb can be used on the characters.

Are 3D gel number plates legal?

3D gel style number plates are manufactured by coating sheet-cut alphanumeric characters in a polyurethane gel to give them a raised profile on the number plate. This sought-after style of registration is carefully crafted to a high quality to meet BSAU British safety standards.

This type of plate is 100% legal providing it was manufactured prior to the law changes and fully complies with registration laws, including using the Charles Wright font seen on all UK plates.

It’s also possible to legally display 3D-looking letters and numbers without a gel resin raise. Using a two-tone effect, the characters can have a 3D appearance without using the more costly domed effect with gel resin. This can be another option worth considering when price is a concern.

Are 3D carbon number plates legal?

3D carbon number plates also present characters raised from the registration plate to create a three-dimensional appearance. While a popular choice of premium plate format in the UK, these too are only legal for plates manufactured prior to the law changes.

Carbon number plates used on your car must display your registration in black characters and in the Charles Wright font to be legal. Those that use any other colour, font or background pattern are not acceptable.

4d Number plates

4D number plates feature raised acrylic characters, giving them a unique, three-dimensional appearance, but must adhere to UK regulations regarding font, spacing, and reflectivity to be road-legal. For information on 4d number plate legality.

Digital(smart) Number Plates

Recently Dubai has been pouring funding into their plans to become the technology hub of the world. As well as working on ideas such as flying drone taxis, they are pushing number plates to the next stage. Dubai’s Sultan Abdullah al-Marzouqi, head of vehicle licensing at Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) is introducing digital(smart) number plates.

Above: Sultan Abdullah al-Marzouqi, head of vehicle licensing at Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) and Digital Number Plate Example.

These digital number plates are said to be capable of various tasks:
• Traffic updates
• Condition changes
• Accident warnings
• Real-time communication with other drivers
• Emergency services contact
• New or learner driver symbols

The plates will be will be matched with a user’s profile/account, which will allow you to jump online and easily handle issues such as:
• Parking fees
• Registration renewal
• Fine payments

Plus, this innovative design could help reduce the recent rise in number plate theft. If the car or plate is stolen it will adorn a visual alert such as ‘STOLEN’.

The cost of these digital plates is yet to be revealed but maybe its best to leave these undoubtedly expensive addons to the Dubai public first.

18 Number Plates that have been Banned!

Recently the 18 plate registrations were released and with them hundreds of formats were banned due to being potentially offensive. Over the years many combinations have been banned, here are a few:

Combinations consisting of 4 letters:
*B** UMS, *G** ODS and *R** APE

Combinations consisting of 5 letters:
AB** USE, AN** GER and BO** SOM

Combinations from 2004:
A**4 RSE, BO04 ZZY and BL04 JOB

Combinations from 2011:
BO11 OC*, DR11 GG* and PO11 CE*

Prior to releases (twice a year) the DVLA meet to decide which registrations will be banned due to spelling out rude and crude combinations. Among those banned this year are ‘BO18 CKS’ and ‘PU18 BES’.

You may be able to out-smart the DVLA and create your own crude but once it’s spotted it could still be taken from you. One buyer last June managed to buy the plate ‘JH11 HAD’, though it was later removed from the roads once the DVLA got wind of it.

As well as inappropriate words the DVAL pick any plate from the new selection that could potentially sell for a fortune at registration auctions.

The 18 number plates will be being issued between March 1st to the end of August, showing the year they were registered. you can search out yours on New Reg homepage, where we have a section dedicated to the 18 plates.

Private Registration Plate Record Sales!

The recent rise in number plate popularity has given way to record numbers of personalised registration sales. Between the years 2016-2017, personalised plates accumulated £110 million for the treasury alone, a new record.

Most people like to stand out or at least have their own unique look, and a private reg will do just that. Bought as gifts, rewards, to hide a car’s age or simply to add some style plates can be bought in various places such as online or at auction, but none are quite as cheap as New Reg.
Since number plates went on sale in 1989 there have been around 5 million plates that have changed hands.

Edmund King, president of the AA, is one of those who purchased a £250 plate for his car. He said: “People seem to be holding on to cars for longer and by having a personalised plate the car doesn’t age as much as it may otherwise. There is a bit of an auto-vanity about trying to hide the age of your car.”

Join the latest trend and get yours! Head over to our number plates search page to get a better look into your options and customise your digit styles.

Football Themed License Plates for the World Cup

Football is a huge part of many peoples lives. Fans can spend hundreds or even thousands every year on merchandise. Today was the closing date for ticket applications to the world cup, but do not fear, you can still snap yourself up some great memorabilia to help show your colours!
Football memorabilia can sell for ridiculous prices. A few examples of this would be Geoff Hurst’s 1966 World Cup final shirt which went for £91,750, Pele’s 1970 second-half World Cup final shirt which went for a staggering £157,750 or Nobby Stiles’ 1966 World Cup medal on which the hammer dropped at £188,200.

DVLA Input

The DVLA recently released an array of plates themed around the World Cup. They’re going fast but luckily we have some here at New Reg! We have a wide array of well priced football themed license plates that you can browse to find the perfect one for you. Or, try making up your own as 18 plates are now available and will help you immortalise the coming World Cup.

Jody Davies, DVLA Personalised Registrations’ Senior Sales Manager, tells us: “Motorists can get into World Cup fever straight away with 18 registrations now available.”

Be one of the first to carry your colours and pride with you wherever you go!

Dirt and Grime, Causing Fines.

Drivers: beware the winter weather.

We all know cold weather driving can be dangerous, but with all that rain, ice and gritting on the roads it can also be a danger to your savings. Our vehicles naturally get a build up of dirt but during the winter it can increase substantially. Whilst driving our wheels throw all the dirty water and grit up from the road’s surface into the air, which usually splashes across the back of our vehicle.

The DVLA have strict rules outlining what can and cannot be done to number plates, and registrations being easily distinguishable is a must. This is why number plate backgrounds must be clear and registration spacing correct.

Failure to ensure your number plate is clearly visable can result in a £1000 fine!

Plus, as if that wasn’t enough it can even cause you to fail your MOT.

The DVLA have explained “There is a specific offence under the Vehicle Excise and Registration Act 1994 of obscuring or allowing a registration mark to be not easily distinguishable.”

“All registration numbers must be displayed clearly and correctly on the number plate – this helps the police, enforcement agencies and members of the public to correctly identify a vehicle to assist road safety and traffic enforcement.”

If you’re looking for more information on number plates and the rules and regulations they must abide by then you can see more at New Reg’s DVLA number plates page.

Stay Safe on Icy Roads this Winter.

Around this time of year, a lot of us find ourselves hoping for a ‘white Christmas’, but with the snow comes the ice. We are all expected to know the safety rules for winter driving, but it can easily slip your mind. So, stay safe whilst travelling on your visits this winter by having a quick read of these recommendations.

PREPARATION:
-First and foremost, ask yourself whether the journey requires a vehicle, or could you get wrapped up and take a stroll.

-The icy weather can cause traffic congestions, many vehicles even get stuck in the snow. Bare in mind you may be queueing a while, you might even have to walk home. Keep a blanket or some extra clothing in the boot so you’re ready for the worst.

-It’s also a great idea to map out your route and let anybody that’s expecting you aware of it and when to expect your arrival.

-Before you set off ensure your windows and mirrors are completely demystified.

-Keep your mobile phone charged in-case of an emergency. It would also be a good idea to store some snacks and water with you.

ICY DRIVING:
-Just like in wet conditions, cold weather causes braking distances to increase – exponentially on ice! In-fact on icy roads drivers are recommended to leave up to 10x the distance of normal gaps.

-The cold conditions will cause a loss of grip on the tyres even above zero, so even if no ice is visible be sure to take care.

-If your vehicle begins to slide, try not to panic and gently steer into it – do not brake hard or let go of the wheel. For example, if the back end of your car begins sliding toward the left, steer to the left.

-Black ice seems to be the bane of every driver in winter. It is very hard to spot but may appear as a shaded stretch along the road, possibly with a glossy sheen or as if a patch in the road is ‘wet’.

-Be wary of lower temperature areas such as in tunnels and flyovers.

-If you find yourself driving over black ice, try to maintain your speed and keep your steering straight. Avoid using the brakes but if you need to slow your car it’s best to utilise your gears -though any sudden changes in the vehicles movement could easily cause it to begin sliding.

With that said, the cold isn’t all bad news as it brings some great deals. Like our winter sale with number plates from £69 and others with 10% off! Head on over to our number plates search page to see if your personalised registration is on offer.

From everybody at New Reg we hope you stay safe this Christmas and enjoy every second of your holidays. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

Driving Laws You’ve Probably Broken!

There are many laws to abide by when you’re driving a vehicle, those laws can adjust and change as you move from B-roads, to A-roads and onto motorways. I’m sure we all try our best not go against any of these laws but a lot of people may not even realise they are braking laws they didn’t know existed!

Driving can sometimes be irritating, especially when you have a slow driver in-front of you or somebody in the on-coming traffic is cruising along with their full-beam headlights on. But be wary that this kind of behaviour can and will earn you a fine if not points on your license.

Here are a few examples of driving laws you may not be aware of:

Slow Driving
Police may pull over slow drivers to have a quick word as it can cause both irritation and confusion among other drivers. Irate drivers are much more susceptible to taking rash actions, therefore increasing the chance of an accident.Consequence: From a verbal warning all the way up to 9 penalty points – depending on circumstances.Failing to Remove Snow
Failing to clear your car roof from snow can be incredibly dangerous to both others and yourself. After driving and braking on and off the snow could easily slip down into your vision and block your sight all together.

Consequence: £60 fine and 3 penalty points.

Due Care
Many tasks come under this term, such as eating, drinking, applying make-up, changing CD, using in-car infotainment system or re-filling that e-cig. While not all these actions are illegal per-se, driving without due care is, so too much focus on any task except driving whilst in control of a vehicle is definitely illegal.

Consequence: Between 3 and 9 penalty points and possibly a £100 fine.

Single Yellow Parking
While we all know parking on a single yellow line isn’t illegal, leaving your car whilst there is. Single yellow lines are not for parking or ‘nipping into the shops’. If you’re parked on single yellows, then the second you leave your car you are liable for lawful punishment.

Consequence: Fines up to £130

Unfixed Phone SatNav
It’s so cheap to pick up a dashboard phone stand these days nobody can have an excuse to not be using one. They’re cheap, convenient and safe. So many drivers are resting their phones on their laps and using them as a SatNav, constantly removing their eyes from the road and their surroundings. If you’re mobile phone isn’t fixed into position, then using it with or without SatNav is completely illegal.

Consequence: A straight £200 fine and up to 6 penalty points on your license.

Splashing Pedestrians with Puddles
Other than making you very annoying and loathsome this can actually get you into trouble with the law, causing you to fork out potentially large sums! Driving without reasonable consideration for other persons’ is considered a crime.

Consequence: Possible 3 penalty points, plus a fine ranging between £100-£5000 – depending on whether your case goes to court or not.

Paying at the Drive-Thru
This one may catch a lot of people out, it may also seem tedious but it’s in place for a reason. When paying for your order with a smart-phone at drive-thru’s, you want to make sure your hand-brake is on and the engine off, otherwise you risk being punished for using your phone whilst driving.
Consequences: 6 penalty points and £200 fine – that’s an expensive burger!

Speed-Cam Headlight Warnings
Many drivers warn their fellow drivers of on-coming police speed cameras by flashing their headlights. This act of vigilance is very much frowned upon by the law, classing it as ‘a dangerous practice’. Drivers flash their lights to give-way, catch other driver’s attention and many other ways in which they were not designed for, all of which can be seriously dangerous – blinding, confusing and distracting anybody within range.

Consequence: A fine with a minimum of £30.

There are many laws and rules to follow when it comes to vehicles and road use. Be sure to keep up-to-date with the latest on the DVLA approved number plate laws by visiting our Guide to DVLA Approved Plates – filled with laws on styles, designs, regulations and more.

DVLA Private Reg Plate Auctions

Recently the DVLA held private registration auctions for three consecutive days, taking bids on number plates with reserves between £250-£2,500. These auctions are held each year and have always attracted attention from the public, but never more-so than recently. With each auction the popularity is increasing, this is largely thanks to social media allowing the DVLA to reach more potential bidders with ease. With a collection of 1,250 varying plates at the latest auction, the bidding got underway.

Be sure to keep up to date with the latest offers and deals at NewReg by following us at Facebook or keep a close eye on our cheap number-plates search page where we gather our latest and greatest bargains and assemble them in a list to make it that much easier for you to get yourself a personalised reg, cheap number plates.

This year there have been some great personalised number plates sold at the auctions, here are a few that were on offer with similar plates still available for purchase at NewReg.

ELLIOT
DVLA Auction Plate: