4D number plates - thoughts?

[captain.scarlet]

I'm not sure whether there are other topics on this or where in the forum, but I didn't want to hijack the C124PPY thread.

I've noticed in recent months here in Yorkshire that there's been a sudden spike in 4D number plates on cars. It's suddenly become the latest fad, and wasn't anywhere near as endemic pre-Covid. What's the situation like where you are and what do you make of them?

The concept of the effect IMO is interesting but I think it looks somewhat tacky.

I also can't help but think these shouldn't be allowed, not least after noticing this evening that at certain angles the entire registration number becomes completely illegible and blurred.

That's before you get on to the optional coloured shadows beneath the characters...

I know that raised 3D plates existed in the past and certainly until around the mid-1980s, and that 3D effect plates have emerged, but the situation then was that there was no single legal typeface and dimensions. They worked in the past and they wouldn't have been illegible on a wide, large font.

Does anyone know of anyone who's had issues with 4D plates?

[Luke.]

Dire.

[georgeyboy12345]

I like them because they allow me to identify what kind of driver they are and so give them a wide berth.

Kind of like those blue lights everyone used to put on their windscreen washers in the late 90s aka "ttlights".

[Riley Blue]

Thread already exists: https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&...

[normalbloke]

Drug dealer plates?

[bristolracer]

Why are they 4d plates ?
Are they different from the 3d ones we had in the 70s ?
I don't see what all the fuss is about, will they fail an mot?

[captain.scarlet]

As I say, I get what they're trying to achieve, but they don't add any improvement whatsoever to a car as they look a bit too tacky for my liking. I know that taste is subjective but it's a trend that's catching on more and more as we come out of lockdown.

I am genuinely curious about the legality of these because you can obscure your reg. number at certain angles. And what is the maximum depth of a character? Are these stuck on above actual printed characters?

I suppose if there is any saving grace it's that they can't end up with number plates obscured by mud and road spray.

[PH User]

It's a bit of plastic with some numbers and letters on it and that's it.

[craigjm]

bristolracer said:

Why are they 4d plates ?
Are they different from the 3d ones we had in the 70s ?
I don't see what all the fuss is about, will they fail an mot?

Because this style is already known as 3D

[0ddball]

When all someone has to worry about in life is what their number plates look like, they are doing pretty well.

[Bobton125]

I think they look very tacky.

One way to instantly de-value any car in my opinion.

They seem to be a popular choice with turds driving BMW's and Audi's

[Haltamer]

Stuck on 4D Letters are woeful - As above, If you see one you know to steer clear - That being said, I do have a 3D Gel numberplate, which I'd consider about the limit for good taste.

I'm under the impression that some of the 4D (Glued letter plates) aren't actually printed underneath, meaning some are using them with "whoopsie a letter fell off" to hide their plates without being too noticable.

[Tre Zero]

I just think they look cheap.
a long time ago , there was a type of reflective plate with letters attached on the outside , they were awful too .

[MGirl]

captain.scarlet said:

I am genuinely curious about the legality of these because you can obscure your reg. number at certain angles. And what is the maximum depth of a character? Are these stuck on above actual printed characters?

These are due to become illegal come September. Well if they have another colour under the black I believe. I have a mate who works in traffic and has these hideous plates and is moaning because he’s been told to change them.

It also means that 3D gel plates are also up for the chop too.

https://www.google.co.uk/amp/s/www.carreg.co.uk/ca...

Edited by MGirl on Saturday 19th June 00:36

[EthanSmale]

bristolracer said:

Why are they 4d plates ?

I think they combine all three dimensions of space and the dimension of time

[lord trumpton]

I think all forms of deviation from standard issue plates look st.

I know people like to be different etc but modified plates et al - barking up the wrong tree. They are just an unsightly necessity and anthing drawing further attention is just a no from me

[sevensfun]

0ddball said:

When all someone has to worry about in life is what their number plates look like, they are doing pretty well.

Where did op say that’s all he has to worry about?

[Chubbyross]

Instantly marks the driver out as a bellend. Job done.

[Court_S]

I think they’re crap and in the same category as stupid spaced, cut down plates etc.

[Roboticarm]

They look like someone has made number plates using fridge magnets.