Discussion
I was stopped by a copper who insisted my 3D plates were illegal. I asked him why to which he replied that they wouldn't be picked up a camera. I explained him to that I was caught by speed camera van with these plates on, so his theory is false. The plate complies with the DVLA regulations 100%. All spaced correctly, font size and correct font.
However, he's still insisting they're illegal and gave me a verbal warning. Also said the next time he sees me with the same plates on, he'll be fining me
he's a local copper so I see him quite often 
I'm confused as to what I should do, should I just fight the ticket when the inevitable happens?
However, he's still insisting they're illegal and gave me a verbal warning. Also said the next time he sees me with the same plates on, he'll be fining me
he's a local copper so I see him quite often I'm confused as to what I should do, should I just fight the ticket when the inevitable happens?
When you say 4D, What exactly are you thinking of?
Pressed plates
Acrylic cut-out letters
3D Effect fonts (Which are set to be banned in the upcoming BS Specification, not sure how this impacts existing plates)
Gel plates
I'm using pressed plates at the moment, and I've not seen any explicit legal "no". They're all up to spec, and I've seen enough traffic cars without any issues.
Pressed plates
Acrylic cut-out letters
3D Effect fonts (Which are set to be banned in the upcoming BS Specification, not sure how this impacts existing plates)
Gel plates
I'm using pressed plates at the moment, and I've not seen any explicit legal "no". They're all up to spec, and I've seen enough traffic cars without any issues.
Haltamer said:
When you say 4D, What exactly are you thinking of?
Pressed plates
Acrylic cut-out letters
3D Effect fonts (Which are set to be banned in the upcoming BS Specification, not sure how this impacts existing plates)
Gel plates
I'm using pressed plates at the moment, and I've not seen any explicit legal "no". They're all up to spec, and I've seen enough traffic cars without any issues.
Apologies for not explaining. The name 4D plates is the name of the company that distributes these plates. Pressed plates
Acrylic cut-out letters
3D Effect fonts (Which are set to be banned in the upcoming BS Specification, not sure how this impacts existing plates)
Gel plates
I'm using pressed plates at the moment, and I've not seen any explicit legal "no". They're all up to spec, and I've seen enough traffic cars without any issues.
They're standard plates but with acrylic cut-out letters. Hasn't been tinted nor have the letters been modified in any shape of way. I've had these plates on for more than 8 months with no issue at all.
To quote the DVLA;
"Characters on a number plate can be 3D" - https://www.gov.uk/displaying-number-plates/rules-...
Do your plates have the makers marking, and a BS AU 145d marking? If it does, and it's displayed correctly (In the manufacturer's position; Not moved anywhere - To avoid further complexity) Then you're all square, and they shouldn't be complaining.
That being said, if he is local, and wants to cause you trouble, I'd grab some legal cover
"Characters on a number plate can be 3D" - https://www.gov.uk/displaying-number-plates/rules-...
Do your plates have the makers marking, and a BS AU 145d marking? If it does, and it's displayed correctly (In the manufacturer's position; Not moved anywhere - To avoid further complexity) Then you're all square, and they shouldn't be complaining.
That being said, if he is local, and wants to cause you trouble, I'd grab some legal cover
Unless OP is referring to these type of plates
Which to some officers may be frowned upon like the current craze of "smoked" plates, as if to fool ANPR etc... Not sure if certain types fall into the 'show plate' category, or if the police objected to something else in the plate, ie spacing, 4's made to look like A's etc
Which to some officers may be frowned upon like the current craze of "smoked" plates, as if to fool ANPR etc... Not sure if certain types fall into the 'show plate' category, or if the police objected to something else in the plate, ie spacing, 4's made to look like A's etc
Why not just leave the standard plate on the car?
These pressed, 4d, stick on, small cut ... Insert other variation here just make the car look worse/chavy.
Ok, I get an 18 year old thinking it looks cool on their 1.2 corsa but when I see these plates on decent motors it just makes me cringe.
These pressed, 4d, stick on, small cut ... Insert other variation here just make the car look worse/chavy.
Ok, I get an 18 year old thinking it looks cool on their 1.2 corsa but when I see these plates on decent motors it just makes me cringe.
HantsRat said:
Why not just leave the standard plate on the car?
These pressed, 4d, stick on, small cut ... Insert other variation here just make the car look worse/chavy.
Ok, I get an 18 year old thinking it looks cool on their 1.2 corsa but when I see these plates on decent motors it just makes me cringe.
Someone being a little different? As long as it is within the regulations, fine.These pressed, 4d, stick on, small cut ... Insert other variation here just make the car look worse/chavy.
Ok, I get an 18 year old thinking it looks cool on their 1.2 corsa but when I see these plates on decent motors it just makes me cringe.
As long as it meets the regulations, even if it looks "different", it's not wrong, though that being different may involve some hassle, as you're finding out.
I also agree a lot of the time these plates look a bit stupid, but it's (mostly) a free country, so crack on with it if you wish.
I also agree a lot of the time these plates look a bit stupid, but it's (mostly) a free country, so crack on with it if you wish.
The Li-ion King said:
Unless OP is referring to these type of plates
Which to some officers may be frowned upon like the current craze of "smoked" plates, as if to fool ANPR etc... Not sure if certain types fall into the 'show plate' category, or if the police objected to something else in the plate, ie spacing, 4's made to look like A's etc
Well I can understand the smoked plates thing, as sometimes it's hard to read the plates with the human eye - which is the issue rather than APNR I think. But these types of plates are fine, I think his local bobby is a bit lonely and is looking to put his numbers up.Which to some officers may be frowned upon like the current craze of "smoked" plates, as if to fool ANPR etc... Not sure if certain types fall into the 'show plate' category, or if the police objected to something else in the plate, ie spacing, 4's made to look like A's etc
OP, let him issue you a fine and contest it. Then report him for some re-education, as he's obviously not up to snuff about the law.
sgtBerbatov said:
Well I can understand the smoked plates thing, as sometimes it's hard to read the plates with the human eye - which is the issue rather than APNR I think. But these types of plates are fine, I think his local bobby is a bit lonely and is looking to put his numbers up.
OP, let him issue you a fine and contest it. Then report him for some re-education, as he's obviously not up to snuff about the law.
That plate may not have the bs markings and the post code of the registered plate maker, so it could be non complaint.OP, let him issue you a fine and contest it. Then report him for some re-education, as he's obviously not up to snuff about the law.
surveyor_101 said:
sgtBerbatov said:
Well I can understand the smoked plates thing, as sometimes it's hard to read the plates with the human eye - which is the issue rather than APNR I think. But these types of plates are fine, I think his local bobby is a bit lonely and is looking to put his numbers up.
OP, let him issue you a fine and contest it. Then report him for some re-education, as he's obviously not up to snuff about the law.
That plate may not have the bs markings and the post code of the registered plate maker, so it could be non complaint.OP, let him issue you a fine and contest it. Then report him for some re-education, as he's obviously not up to snuff about the law.
As long as the plates conform to location, size, font, colour, spacing, retro-reflectiveness and relevant markings, they can be made out of anything you want. The 4D plates are not illegal (if they conform tot he above), and I'd be asking the officer in question to point out what section of the The Road Vehicles (Display of Registration Marks) Regulations 2001 that they are allegedly in non-compliance with.
http://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2001/561/schedu...
http://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2001/561/schedu...
https://www.gov.uk/displaying-number-plates/rules-...
The British Government website said:
Characters on a number plate can be 3D.
sgtBerbatov said:
He said the copper said the plate wouldn't be picked up on camera.
As the font is correct, I can't imagine there would be an issue.I have heard this excuse before and on dodgy fonts and most can be read.
My issue with ANPR is for official use by police/dvla vehicle excise! happy days.
But for parking or local council to monitor vehicle movement no!
The amount of times, I have seen it misused and not checked, having been accused of being somewhere for 4 days when I visited twice in one week and they get my personal data from DVLA without good cause!
Car parks that are full and people get tickets just for driving round!
gareth_r said:
https://www.gov.uk/displaying-number-plates/rules-...
And by 3D, they mean this. The British Government website said:
Characters on a number plate can be 3D.
Raised, stuck on characters will likely not meet BS AU 145d standards for flexibility, wear resistance, etc.
ElectricPics said:
gareth_r said:
https://www.gov.uk/displaying-number-plates/rules-...
And by 3D, they mean this. The British Government website said:
Characters on a number plate can be 3D.
Raised, stuck on characters will likely not meet BS AU 145d standards for flexibility, wear resistance, etc.
I'll wait for the court transcript.
ElectricPics said:
And by 3D, they mean this.
Raised, stuck on characters will likely not meet BS AU 145d standards for flexibility, wear resistance, etc.
You beat me to it. I was going to say, surely '3D' refers to the font type having some shading on the edge lines to make it look like a shadow.....but I guess if there is ambiguity over what 3D means then people will take the Michael!!Raised, stuck on characters will likely not meet BS AU 145d standards for flexibility, wear resistance, etc.
As the .Gov website says they can be 3D, then I'd say by their own admission this plate is ok......even if I do interpret it differently.
Edited by Autopilot on Monday 5th August 13:28
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