This page is designed as an indication as to the regulations. An up to date copy of the correct leaflet must be obtained to be sure that your vehicle is legal.

Display of Registration marks for Motor Vehicles (except motorcycles)

VEHICLE REGISTRATION MARKS including marks offered for sale and purchase through DVLA's Sales Schemes must be displayed in accordance with Regulations 17-22 inclusive and Schedule 2 of the Road Vehicles (Registration and Licensing 1971 (as amended) (Obtainable from HMSO).

DVLA has produced a booklet entitled "Registration Numbers and You" which provides further details. This is available from your nearest Vehicle Registration Office or by writing to Sale of Marks, DVLA, Swansea SA6 7JL.

The Regulations specify that marks must conform with either one of two groups of provisions <!--(provisions for embossed/pressed plates are shown below):-->

Group 1:
Characters 89mm (3 ^1/₂") high,  Character width 64mm (2 ^1/₂") (except the figure "1") stroke width 16mm (^5/₈")
 

Group 2:
Characters 79mm (3 ^1/₈") high,  Character width 57mm (2 ^1/₄") (except the figure "1") stroke width 14mm (^9/₁₆");
 

NOTE:
It is an OFFENCE to alter, rearrange or misrepresent letters or numbers in order to form names or words.
Characters must not be moved from one block to the other. e.g. "A242 ABC" must not be displayed as "A242A BC"

OFFENDERS are liable to a MAXIMUM FINE of up to £1000 and in some cases the mark may be WITHDRAWN. Vehicles with illegally displayed number plates may now FAIL the MOT test.

For vehicles first registered on or after 1.1.73, the characters must be black, the background must be reflex-reflecting material, white at the front and yellow at the rear.

Each number plate shall be permanently and legibly marked in such a position as to be clearly visible when the number plat is fitted to the vehicle, with the following information:-
1) the name, trade mark or other means of identification of the maker
2) the number of this British Standard, i.e. BSAU 145a.

There are separate provisions for motor bicycles. These are contained within schedule 2 of the Road Vehicles (Registration and Licensing) Regulations 1971 as amended.