I've been given a postcodeless number plate. Is this OK?

[Fish]

They will do you a blank plate that has compliant lettering and reflectiveness just not the markings. Obviously it isn't compliant though!

[GreigM]

just to re-ask the question in case anyone knows:

Could you simply put a sticker on the plate which came without a postcode in order to make it legal? I have some plates which are legal except no postcode, could I make them legal by simply sticking on a postcode or the correct size on some transparent sticky stuff?

I don't see anything in the regs forbidding this...

[Gareth79]

I think the confusion is that while BSAU145d requires the "name and postcode of supplying outlet" to be recorded, the phrase "supplying outlet" is also used in the Vehicle Crime Act 2001 to define who should be a registered supplier of plates. This is only required basically where a replacement plate is issued (ie. not new vehicles or anybody making them for their own use, eg. fleets)

Even though the BS predates the registration scheme I think perhaps the maker's name/postcode has routinely been left off where people aren't registered because they thought it wasn't required, meaning there are a crapload of vehicles without postcodes making it unenforceable.

[Red Devil]

CraigyMc said:

Fish said:

Fancyplates supply a UK compliant plate with their postcode and name on including the BS number. They are FULLY compliant with UK law they just avoid the law on ID, hence they are very convenient for replacement plates.

Interesting, since I got a set of plates from them about 7 years ago with only the actual plate reg on it (no other text of any sort).

I wonder if they've changed since then - or perhaps both are options? -

• "standard plates" versus
• "custom plates with standard font, standard spacing, standard size, etc"

Yes, both. The former are compliant with UK legislation, the latter aren't.

Non-compliant plates are variously described by different suppliers as

- 'custom plates'
- 'show plates'
- 'fancy plates'
- 'signs'

If you want a very thorough practical exposition of the subject, it can be found on the craigsplates site.

The interesting thing about this supplier is that they identify themselves by putting their RNPS (Registered Number Plate Supplier) ID rather than their address or post code on their compliant plates. I will hazard a guess that they will have properly researched the legality of so doing.