4D Number Plates NOT LEGAL apparently.
 

Been thinking about some of these 4D plates for the ZT as many places (suppliers and websites) say they are legal and meet requirements, but have been dithering as they are rather expensive.

Then I come across a tweet by Surrey road policing unit to say they are not legal as the numbers/letters are reflective, and being raised it makes them unreadable from the prescribed angles to the side.

They went on to say they WILL (their capitals) stop you, and fine you, and inform the DVLA, who if it is reported to them twice may revoke it (if personalised I presume).

Also they will seize the plates (leaving you stranded till you get new ones or organise recovery) or, if they have time, escort you home if nearby, then seize them.

Seems very harsh enforcement, but maybe lots have been taking the mick with them and spacings (local auctioneer had B1 DUP but spaced to B1D UP) and they've had enough.

EDIT MEANT 4D PLATES.

In reality both views may be correct depending on how well the plates meet the other parts of the specification.

See https://assets.publishing.service.go...tes-inf104.pdf

At the end of the day, the plates have to be readable from all reasonable angles as well as meeting the specification.

ANPR cameras can read any script and patterns. This was confirmed by the inventor who gave a talk which I attended a few years ago. The police are taking us for cash cows, but I wouldn't risk it, and don't mis-space my plates.

I've have 4D plates on my 75 and had them on my previous car and not had a issue with the Police or MOT, I think it might just be up to the said Police Force on how they inforce it. Think also the numbers have to be totally black font and not black with another colour behind them as well.

I watched a helpful video on Youtube about how the plate laws were changing, will have to see if I can find it and it was a car club that was speaking to the Police about the issue of 3D and 4D Plates.

I passed a car the other day while out on a walk and the owner had elastic banned a personalised plate over her original plates to spell her name, you can bet the original plate with the original spacing was behind it! :shrug::shrug:

Here in Northamptonshire, the speed camera vans also now enforce number plate offences (they say they do) along with mobile phone use (good) and seat belt offences.

As for 4D plates, it seems a lottery as to if you get done or not, and with the chance of £100 fine and possibly stranded at the roadside I'll give them a miss.

We all like to personalise our vehicles, but at some stage this will become beyond what is generally accepted within law, the UK law is a joke, and Government is the butt of such jokes. Look in the MOT Test pages and laugh, read the Covid 19 history on testing, isolation and "Party Rules"
It seems to me that you can do what you want, until you get caught, then pay for the mistake or the blatent disregard for the law.
Nobody is perfect in this, however, number plates must be right in every sense, and for those who deliberately cheat with incorrect spacing trying to spell their name or initials, You look really cheap and silly. Buy a proper plate from DVLA and keep it right. In terms of mateials used - we used standard plates for years, they looked right and were easy to identify - so why change it ?

In no way do I wish to engage in a bitching session here, but if you keep it legal, there is no reason for things to get questioned.

Also, you have to ask yourself what it is that you are proud of - your car or a £25 3D/4D number plate format that anyone with £25 can buy. Personally, I find that most of the 3D/4D plates just look a bit naff.

3D Number Plates NOT LEGAL apparently.
 

I don’t think the police have the authority to remove items from your vehicle. I have seen officers get the owner to remove the tinted window film when it’s been deemed too dark.

I can see many a stand off with this if they decide they want plates removing at the roadside.

I believe the fines actually go to the treasury rather than the police. Same as speeding fines.

I suspect the outcome of a stop for illegal plates combined with more serious issues could result in the Police organising a tow the vehicle away and recover the costs from the driver at worst.
The stupid thing I have found, the owner usually keeps the standard legal plate in the boot of the car, which increases their stupidity by knowing they are breaking a law and could rectify at the roadside if threatened with points or a fine & Not least when it comes to MOT time, I fail the car. The customer will then state that the plates are under the boot carpet ad expect us to fit them, we used to and make a charge for doing so.
I now test for one of the big motoring supermarkets where you buy blind on line so not experiencing number plate issues any more.