Are 4D Gel Plates Legal?

So you’ve finally made the decision to invest in some highly-sought after Custom Plates for your vehicle! But what factors should you consider when purchasing these famous plates? Fear not, as our highly trained team of specialists are hear to assist you with everything plate related!

In this blog, we’ll delve into the topic of 4D Gel Number Plates, and answer the burning question, ‘Are 4D Plates Legal?’ In short, yes, they absolutely are!

DWDPLATES proudly hold the esteemed title of the UKs Number 1 Plate Maker. With years of experience under our belt, we specialise in all Number Plates, focusing on 3D Number Plates, and 4D Number Plates. Recognised by the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA), DWDPLATES are fully authorised to produce and distribute Custom Number Plates and Replacement Number Plates. Shopping with us guarantees a trusted and hassle-free service. Beyond this, we also specialise in Personalised Number Plate Key Rings, and Private Number Plates. If it’s Number Plate related, we’ve got it!

What is a 4D Gel Plate?

You’ve been eyeing those sleek number plates, and now it’s time to treat yourself. What exactly are 4D Gel Plates? While the fifth dimension remains a mystery, the common “4D Plates” or “4D Gel Plates” terms are still tossed around amongst motorists and number plate enthusiasts. These plates are 100% road legal and MOT compliant as long as they are manufactured correctly. Most importantly, they are certainly real and do exist! You may also come across the term “hybrid custom plates” frequently in the industry, which supposedly combines the best of both worlds, 3D Plates & 4D Plates. Whether you opt for 4D Gel Number Plates or 5D Gel Plates, rest assured, they will be unforgettable.

Are 4D Plates Legal?

In essence, yes. 4D Gel Plates are entirely road legal & MOT compliant provided they are manufactured correctly. These plates must adhere to certain criteria and requirements. The plates must meet font type, size and character spacing requirements which are laid out by the BNMA. Due to the complexity of manufacturing number plates, there is a misconception that 4D characters are classified as two-tone 3D fonts, which is incorrect. These two-tone fonts are in fact not allowed as laid out by the governing rules. This rule does not apply to either 3D or 4D Characters.

DWDPLATES are a DVLA Registered Manufacturer and we follow these standards very closely, you can be sure that any Number Plate you purchase from us, whether it’s 3D or 4D will be manufactured to the correct standard (with the exception of show plates). You must ensure that you carry out due diligence and purchase from a trusted seller such as DWDPLATES. If you display an illegally manufactured 4D Gel Plate, you may be liable for fines.

How Can I Be Sure My 4D Number Plates Are Legal?

Over the years, there has been an increase in small shops or private number plate sellers. Unfortunately, these individuals or businesses are often not DVLA registered. This means that the plates they manufacture are not road legal. DWDPLATES are a leading manufacturer in the UK, over the years, we have compiled a list of indicators that you can use to detect whether you’re buying an illegal number plate or not.

Markings

One big indicating factor for illegal number plates is the markings that are present on the base of the plate. In order for 4D number plates to be legal, they must show the manufacturers’ company information/mark and the current British Standard (BS AU 145e) in plain legible text. These markings are almost always located in text on the front of the number plate at the bottom. If you notice your markings say BS AU 145d, don’t panic. Providing your plates were manufactured and were fitted on or before 31st August 2021, BS AU 145d was fully legal & compliant. The new British Standard BS AU 145e only applies to plates supplied on or after 1st September 2021. Plates meeting the previous standard (BS AU 145d) can remain on your vehicle if supplied before then. We have a page highlighting Number Plate legality in more detail, if you’d like to get a better understanding of the legalities.

Fonts

Due to strict guidelines set by the DVLA, number plates are complex to manufacture, this is to ensure that road users and motorists are safe. In order for a plate to be legal, it must comply and use the Charles Wright Font which is mentioned earlier in this blog. Even if a number plate has the relevant markings as above, but a different font, it is completely illegal to display. There are no exceptions to this rule. You may notice the manufacturer has displayed their company information and the BS AU 145e/d markings in different fonts, which is fully allowed. Fancy fonts include, but are not limited to two-tone 3D fonts, creative/colorful fonts, italics and coloured letters.

In Summary:

• 4D Gel Plates are 100% Road Legal & MOT Compliant
• Illegal Number Plate sellers, often unregistered with the DVLA, produce illegal number plates, posing risks to motorists.
• Legal 4D Gel number plates must display manufacturer markings and comply with the current British Standard (BS AU 145e) for legitimacy.
• 4D Gel Plates Can Offer Customisable Spacing, Number Plate Tinting and Custom Sizing