Are 4D Number Plates Legal in the UK in 2025?

Are 4D Number Plates Legal in the UK in 2025?

If you're thinking of upgrading your vehicle’s look with a custom plate, you're probably asking the big question:
“Are 4D number plates actually legal in the UK?”
Good news—yes, they are, as long as they meet specific DVLA requirements. Let’s break it down.

✅ Quick Answer: Yes—When Made Correctly

4D number plates are legal only if they comply with British Standard BS AU 145e and DVLA regulations. That means the characters must be:

  • Black only

  • Solid, non-reflective

  • Securely fixed to the plate

  • Of legal height, width, and spacing

At Vision Plates, all of our road-legal 4D number plates are built to spec, ensuring you can drive confidently without worrying about fines or MOT failures.

📜 What is BS AU 145e?

Introduced in September 2021, BS AU 145e is the updated British Standard for number plates. Here's what it means for you:

  • Increased durability: Plates must withstand UV, abrasion, dirt, and chemicals.

  • Single-tone black text only: Coloured or tinted characters (including carbon fibre styles) are not legal on road plates.

  • Reflective backing: Only the background should reflect light—not the characters themselves.

  • Legal font & spacing: You must use the standard UK number plate font and spacing defined by DVLA.

Pro tip: Plates with coloured gel, tints, or custom fonts might still look cool—but they’re classed as show plates, not road-legal.

❌ Common Myths Around 4D Plates

Let’s clear up some confusion that’s floating around on TikTok and forums:

❌ Myth ✅ Truth
"Carbon plates are legal" ❌ Not for the road (only show plates)
"Tinted plates pass MOTs" ❌ DVLA says no—tint = fail
"You can have any font you like" ❌ Only one DVLA-approved UK font is allowed
"Gel plates = 4D" ❌ Gel is 3D, 4D refers to laser-cut acrylic characters

At Vision Plates, we’ll never sell you a “road-legal” plate that doesn’t actually meet the legal standard.

🛡️ How Vision Plates Stays 100% Compliant

When you order a legal 4D plate from us, here’s what we guarantee:

  • ✅ Built to BS AU 145e using certified materials

  • ✅ Correct character size, spacing, and font

  • ✅ Fully DVLA and MOT compliant

  • ✅ Includes legal markings (supplier name, postcode, standard code)

  • ✅ Made by a registered number plate supplier

We’re not just selling style—we’re selling peace of mind.

👇 Want to Go Legal with Your Style?

Check out our range of DVLA-compliant 4D Acrylic Number Plates, built to standard and ready to fit:

👉 Build Your 4D Plate Now

📌 Summary – Quick Checklist for Legal 4D Plates:

✅ Black acrylic characters
✅ No colours, tints or effects
✅ Correct font and spacing
✅ BS AU 145e markings
✅ Supplied by a registered plate maker

If in doubt, don’t risk your MOT or a £100 fine. Stick with a trusted supplier like Vision Plates and drive with confidence.

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