Who has pressed metal number plates - and had any issues?

[Ray Luxury-Yacht]

Ok, so a couple of weeks ago, I bought and fitted to my car a pair of pressed-aluminium number plates.

My last set of acrylics were only 2 years old, but had started to de-laminate, which looked horrendous - plus the rear plate had started to get that 'cloudy, sun-bleached look' too.

I did a lot of 'internetz' research on metal plates first - and I chose a company who is 'DVLA registered' as an 'approved supplier', who makes only fully legal plates. The plates have the maker's name and postcode on them, plus the BSAU145d stamp. They conform to the DVLA regulations of being made from a retroreflective material, and all that jazz. There are a lot of scare stories on the net about run-ins with the BiB about these plates, but I have decided that, on balance, I'll probably be ok...

Anyway, in the last 2 weeks, I have driven past numerous ANPR equipped Police Cars, and past traffic lights / bridges etc. also fitted with ANPR cameras. And I even got a parking ticket last week, which although annoying, did not mention non-conforming plates. And I do know from experience that most traffic wardens are pretty on the ball on that score.

I am really pleased with the quality of these plates, which I bought after a bit of the aforementioned research. It seems that not all metal plates are the same.

Some makers stick a double layer of vinyl on the front, then manually push the letters through from behind, and then peel off the reflective bit from each letter, to reveal the black vinyl behind. Trouble with these is that the vinyl is easily damaged by a jet wash, and also the front plate by general ballistic detritus.

The ones I have are hydroformed in a specialist machine to form the letters, and then have the black letter finish fused on by a 200 degree C process. The result is a quality finish with decent longevity.


Oh, anyway, I have gone right off on a 'scientific forensic number plate discussion' heehee!

Question I wanted to ask is: Do any other PH'ers have metal plates, and if so, how are they lasting, and most importantly, have you had any trouble from the BiB over legality???!!!

[TheLordJohn]

Had some on my M3 Evo (should never have sold that!) and had no bother the whole time.
Had some BMW Motorsport German style no. plate holders/surrounds, too.
Never got into the whole German car scene, but that was a once in a lifetime car for me.

[Hyde]

I have pressed metal plates on my MINI

The current set are 5 years old

A few stone chips on the front plate, to be honest the bumper is much worse

Plates are holding up fine

Never any issue with the Boys in Blue or at MOT time

[Eighteeteewhy]

I fitted pressed plates to my M3 when I first had it about 5+years ago! never had an issue. Even when I was pulled for something else they didn't even mention them. Personally I think the plod have given up on plates unless they are completely doctored to deceive.

[okie592]

i had them too, dont think it matters so long as they conform which they do - right font - spaces- reflective, there was a thread about new land rovers from stratstones being delivered with pressed plates from the dealer.

they are totally legal.

[GC8]

I saw a wally of a fat police officer state that number plates 'had to be plastic now', on a fly on the wall type documentary (probably the original Police Interceptors). Absolute rubbish.

As has always been the case, the law only describes the standards: reflective characteristics, character size (and font for 2001> plates) and character spacing. They can be made of any material that meets the specification and be any size that meets the spacing requirements.

[groundcontrol]

Think you'll be alright provided they are in the GB 'style' and don't have the incorrect country code on the side or anything like that.

[Matttracker]

I have pressed uk plates, a few of my colleagues have mentioned them. I'm an officer btw.
I can't find anything wrong them, and when challenged neither could they.
They stated they were legal when ordered, they have to be made of reflective material, which the paint is as is the backing on a sheet of Perspex.
I like them even I'd they are a bit "done" nowadays

[TheLordJohn]

Should have added, mine had the blue Euro section on the left and a 'D' on that part, too.
Think I was pushing my luck as the font was German also, but never had any bother!

[blank]

Had them for 5 years. Never had any issues.

To be honest I wouldn't expect to as they're legal.

Mine are from Dubmeister I think.

[sparks_E39]

They're legal so don't worry. Where are they from OP?

[Cliftonite]

TheLordJohn said:

Should have added, mine had the blue Euro section on the left and a 'D' on that part, too.
Think I was pushing my luck as the font was German also, but never had any bother!

.
If you have a photograph, do publish it on the 'Crappy Number Plates' forum, old chap!