This Knowledge Base article provides suppliers with information on the Number Plate Layout. Showing you what elements need to be included & where for it to be a legal number plate.
Road Legal Number Plates
To be road legal a number plate must have certain elements on it. At the bare minimum it must have a registration, show the suppliers name and postcode along with a BS Number. Of course, the manufacturer’s name is also shown next to the BS number. In addition to these elements, it has to be made from a construction that’s certified to British Standards BSAU145e.
The Number Plate Layout
The image below shows the legally allowed number plate elements, which includes the optional side badge and border. And shows the layout or where they have to be placed on the number plate.
The Background
Number plates have to have a retro-reflective background for increased visibility & safety reasons. The regulations also state the front must be plain white in colour and the rear yellow.
Registration Number
Next up is the Registration, which needs to be in the Charles Wright font, a set size and be solid black. The old 3D, Hi-line and Carbon font effects are no longer legal on new number plates.
Coachline or Border
Now we come to the Coachline or border, which is an optional element and not legally required. In short, this must be a single solid colour, no more than 5mm thick and placed 10mm from the Registration.
BS Number & Manufacturer
This section displays the British Standard Number the plate complies to, currently BSAU 145e. Alongside the certified manufacturers name – ours say Tennants. And it needs to place bottom-right, at least 7mm from the Registration.
Supplier Name & Postcode
Every number plate has to display the Suppliers Registered Name and postcode at the bottom. After all, number plates are a legally enforced item and authorities may need to identify the plate maker.
Side Badge
Finally we have the side badge, another optional element that’s not legally required. Always placed on the left side, only a selection of approved flags & country identifiers can be used.
Further Information
This is a bite-sized article on the legal number plate layout. If you want more detailed information on legality, check out the BNMA Website. For customers questions on your plate production setup, just contact our sales or customer services team.
