This Knowledge Base article provides number plate suppliers with information on 3D Digits. Including details on what colour, size and font the characters should be. So your assured you are making legal number plates.
3D Digits for Number Plates
Ever since private registrations became popular, enthusiasts have sought to make them stand out. First we had Font Effects, where the characters had shading to emulate 3D or Carbon letters. This led to actual solid GEL Letters and 3D Digits that you stuck-on, or were cut-out by lasers. Unfortunately their success led many to abuse what was a slightly grey area regarding the legislation on fonts.
Rules and Regulations
With the release of BSAU145e, number plate suppliers got clarification on the rules for 3D Digits. Including clearing up the regulations on their colour, font and adhesive quality. Although many of these stipulations already existed, the wording was improved or clearly defined.
In brief, 3D Number Plates are legal as long as they use a solid-black Charles Wright font. And stick to the rules on font size and spacing, as set out for single and two line registrations. All font effects are outlawed, characters can no longer use Hi-Line, Carbon or 3D Shading. Meaning they have to be one single shade of black and be non-reflective for the sake of ANPR cameras.
This means no coloured layers, embedded LED lighting or anti-camera finishes. And the acrylic domes on GEL Letters must not be above maximum reflectivity levels for visibility. In addition, their adhesive has to be permanent, because missing characters on a Registration will fail a MOT and Police check.
Our True 3D Digits
We have tested our True 3D Digits to check they are compliant and easy to use. To cover demand we provide 2 sizes, a 64mm version for motorcycles and 79mm for everything else. And each one comes with peel-off protective covers and a high-tack self adhesive.
Our True 3D Assembly guide recommends making your plate as normal and sticking digits on top. This way you will not need a stencil-mount to position & space them correctly. For the best results we also recommend using a wipe or polishing after assembly. Similarly to reflective components, every fingerprint or spec of dust will stand out.
Our 3D GEL Digits
Our 3D GEL Digits have also been tested for compliance and ease of use. Made from high gloss black polyurethane resin, each one is carefully domed to ensure they meet visibility criteria. Available in 79mm characters only, each one has a high-tack self adhesive protected by a paper backing.
One again our GEL Assembly guide suggests sticking them on top a printed registration. Once you’re used to the process, it really is quicker than using a stencil-mount. As a result of their gloss finish, a wipe and buff is an essential finishing step. Remember to allow time for the glue to bond and cure before fixing to a vehicle.
Our 3D-Plates BSAU 145e Certification
Tennants 3D Number Plates are the first to be independently tested & Certified to BSAU 145e. That means both our True 3D and 3D GEL Digits make fully compliant number plates. Which ends years of compliance uncertainty for automotive dealerships, motor-factors and part-stores.
Further Information
This is a bite-sized number plate article on 3D Digits. If you want more detailed information on legality, check out the DVLA or BNMA Website. For customers questions on your number plate production setup, just contact our sales or customer services team.
