Question about 3D plates - legal? UK based
Discussion
Hello so I bought some 4D plates the other week, just put them on my car today. You may not like them but I do so that’s all that matters!
My question was, there are no flags or country on the plate at all... is that still ok?
Also there is no BSAU 145D printed on the front of the plate.
BSAU 145d is printed on the back of the plates and as I’ve fitted a plate holder they’re easy to remove and see the back of them but obviously that isn’t how the law works.. any advice, the company I bought them off are certain they’re road legal.
Below is the only picture I’ve got for now. You can see they’re very plain which is what I wanted but now I’m worrying about potentially failing an MOT or getting pulled over.

My question was, there are no flags or country on the plate at all... is that still ok?
Also there is no BSAU 145D printed on the front of the plate.
BSAU 145d is printed on the back of the plates and as I’ve fitted a plate holder they’re easy to remove and see the back of them but obviously that isn’t how the law works.. any advice, the company I bought them off are certain they’re road legal.
Below is the only picture I’ve got for now. You can see they’re very plain which is what I wanted but now I’m worrying about potentially failing an MOT or getting pulled over.
Edited by Joeycookson on Tuesday 14th April 12:45
craigjm said:
They are not 3D numberplates. They are 4D numberplates. There is no requirement for a country flag on the plates.
Although i appreciate you correcting me. They're actually 3D plates. 4D is one of the companies and the company name that prints them. They're still just 3D. impprobable said:
The above is not true. Its only for cars made after the new legislation . So cars made before that date dont need the british standard or the address of the plate maker (whenever they were made).
Mine is a 66 plate... Am I ok without the BSAU markings? And are you sure? Joeycookson said:
craigjm said:
They are not 3D numberplates. They are 4D numberplates. There is no requirement for a country flag on the plates.
Although i appreciate you correcting me. They're actually 3D plates. 4D is one of the companies and the company name that prints them. They're still just 3D. Joeycookson said:
impprobable said:
The above is not true. Its only for cars made after the new legislation . So cars made before that date dont need the british standard or the address of the plate maker (whenever they were made).
Mine is a 66 plate... Am I ok without the BSAU markings? And are you sure? If they are properly spaced then I can't imagine you'll be pulled over because the BS number and supplier aren't shown. I guess you have the original plates. All the MOT people will want is for you to Blu Tack the old plates on for the MOT - or hold them on with rubber bands - my MOT station told me they have to be attached to the car - nothing says they have to be screwed on.
zzrman said:
If they are properly spaced then I can't imagine you'll be pulled over because the BS number and supplier aren't shown. I guess you have the original plates. All the MOT people will want is for you to Blu Tack the old plates on for the MOT - or hold them on with rubber bands - my MOT station told me they have to be attached to the car - nothing says they have to be screwed on.
Absolutely. It may not even fail an MOT either depending on how diligent the inspector is but safe side would be to have a standard set as you suggest. Bottom line is the style is not illegal as long as it has the marking and is spaced correctly
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/mot-inspection-manual-...
Section 0.1. Registration plates.
And:
https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/governmen...
Section 0.1. Registration plates.
And:
https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/governmen...
Edited by paintman on Tuesday 14th April 14:38
craigjm said:
Absolutely. It may not even fail an MOT either depending on how diligent the inspector is but safe side would be to have a standard set as you suggest.
Bottom line is the style is not illegal as long as it has the marking and is spaced correctly
Still see cars with MOTs with EML and Emission control light showing on the dash (comment in advisory notes), which is a failure as I understand it.Bottom line is the style is not illegal as long as it has the marking and is spaced correctly
With plates most testers are looking for plates that scream issues, its more likely to get you pulled by plod and a chat and maybe a fine.
rigga said:
Mate had these on his mine, weirdly car park cameras didn't seem to recognize the plate, and others have said the same.
I think that maybe down to how stacked you have them. I have seen companies that will male they as a standard being 3mm and then you add what you want in multiples of 3mm. The first set I saw on the road were about 9mm deep... crazyForums | Speed, Plod & the Law | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff



