‘Rules’ alert for drivers after March 2026 number plate change

This year’s latest collection of number plates were announced on March 1 and there are some banned combinations that are not suitable for UK roads. But it’s not just combinations of characters that make a plate unsafe for the road.

James HardingBlackcircles tire specialist, with over 16 years of experience in the car industry, said: “Demand for customized number plates has increased in recent years, with Google searches for 4D number plates increasing by 101% in the last quarter and last month there were more than 28,000 searches for the term ‘personalised number plate’ in the UK.

“While the idea of ​​personalizing your number plate may be tempting, the UK’s number plate laws are quite strict and failure to comply can result in a fine of up to £1,000, your car failing its inspection, invalidating insurance and the police having to take your vehicle off the road until the plates are updated. To ensure no driver is caught off guard, we’ve highlighted the different ways you can have your number plate invalidated.”

Seven things that could make your license plate illegal

color plates

For vehicles in the UK, number plates must be white on the front and yellow on the back, both in black letters. No other colors are allowed and your license plate will be considered illegal.

Incorrect font or spacing

The UK has strict requirements regarding spacing and fonts. All numbers and letters on the plate must be in the Charles Wright font, 79 mm long and 50 mm wide (except for “1” or “I”), 14 mm thick, with each character 11 mm from the next and a 33 mm gap between the age identifier and the last three letters.

Changing the spacing or using special fonts may invalidate the plate.

The DVLA states that only certain flags can be displayed on the left side of number plates. These include the Union Flag, Scottish Saltire, St George’s Cross or the Welsh Dragon.

If you have any other flags or emblems on your license plate, police may pull your car off the road until it is corrected.

Although white light is allowed to illuminate your vehicle’s rear license plate, any other form of illumination is illegal. Never use colored lights to illuminate the front or rear license plate, and remember that any emphasis on the letters or numbers on your license plate will invalidate it.

Number plates must meet the minimum reflectance set by the DVLA.

Colored plates are therefore not legal for road use as they can make it difficult for police and traffic systems to identify the vehicle.

It is illegal to drive with dirty license plates.

License plates must be visible to police and automated vehicle systems at all times. To avoid getting fined, make sure you clean your front and rear license plates regularly.

In the UK it is not allowed to use ingredients to replace the characters on your plate or rearrange them to form a different series. Because license plates serve as a means of identifying a vehicle, it is against the law to alter the original letters or numbers on the license plate.

James said: “If you are worried about the legality of your number plate you can have it checked by a trusted number plate supplier or the DVLA.

“If it does not comply with regulations, replace it immediately to avoid possible fines or legal action.”