Show plates have become increasingly popular among car enthusiasts in the UK, offering a chance to add a personalised touch to their vehicles. Whether it’s for car shows, private events, or purely for aesthetic reasons, show plates give owners a unique way to display their style. However, while show plates can make a car stand out, they often don't comply with the legal standards required for road use in the UK.
It's important to understand the difference between show plates and legal road plates. UK law sets out strict rules for number plates used on public roads to guarantee safety and readability. Ignoring these standards can lead to fines or penalties, as plates that don’t meet these criteria are deemed illegal for road use.
For those looking to create personalised showplates for non-road use, it’s essential to know the legal boundaries. In this article, we’ll cover five main reasons why show plates might be illegal on UK roads and how you can avoid costly mistakes.
1. Incorrect Spacing
One of the most common issues that makes showplates illegal for road use is incorrect spacing between characters. There are strict regulations on how numbers and letters must be spaced on legal number plates in the UK, outlined in the Road Vehicles (Display of Registration Marks) Regulations 2001.
Failing to adhere to these rules can result in fines, and in some cases, drivers may even have their vehicle registration revoked. Improperly spaced plates also harder for Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) cameras to read, which could cause further legal complications. For instance, plates where the spacing is altered to spell out a word or phrase are not permitted for road use.
If your number plate doesn't follow these regulations, it may be considered an illegal number plate. While some show plates feature creative spacing to make them more visually appealing, they’re not road-legal and should only be used in private settings.
2. Lack of Reflectivity
UK road laws require number plates to be reflective, making them visible both during the day and at night. This is essential for road safety, as it allows other drivers and law enforcement to clearly identify vehicles, particularly in low-light conditions. However, many show plates are made with non-reflective materials or colours, making them harder to spot in poor visibility.
Using non-reflective plates on public roads is not just a safety concern but also a legal violation. According to UK law, number plates must comply with British Standard BS AU 145e, which includes guidelines on reflectivity. Failing to meet these standards can lead to fines of up to £1,000, and your vehicle may also fail its MOT.
For car owners looking to personalise their plates but stay road-legal, it's important to use reflective materials that meet these UK regulations.
3. Incorrect Plate Size
UK law sets strict dimensions for number plates to make sure they are legible and readable by Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) systems. For standard vehicles, number plates should measure 520mm by 111mm, but the requirements can vary for different types of vehicles, such as motorcycles and imported cars. Incorrectly sized plates can cause issues with ANPR systems and law enforcement, resulting in fines or MOT failure.
Here’s a table outlining the legal dimensions for various types of vehicles:
Vehicle Type | Plate Dimensions | Position |
Standard Vehicles | 520mm x 111mm | Front and Rear |
Motorcycles (1 line) | 285mm x 200mm | Rear Only |
Motorcycles (2 lines) | 203mm x 178mm | Rear Only |
Imported Vehicles | 330mm x 165mm (if plate recess size requires) | Front and Rear |
Lipped Plates | 520mm x 125mm | Front and Rear |
Show plates may often feature non-standard sizes for aesthetic reasons, but when used on public roads, they can cause readability issues. Failing to adhere to these legal dimensions can result in a fine of up to £1,000.
To avoid fines and penalties, it's important to use road-legal plates that meet the correct sizing standards for your vehicle.
4. Unauthorised Logos, Badges or Graphics
UK number plates are strictly regulated when it comes to the inclusion of logos, badges, or graphics. According to the UK number plate law, number plates may only feature specific authorised symbols, such as the Union Jack or EU identifier, as well as the appropriate country code like “GB.” Adding personal logos, images, or badges that aren't listed in the regulations will render the plate illegal for road use.
Many car enthusiasts personalise their show plates with club badges, brand logos, or other designs. While this may look appealing, it violates the DVLA rules. Using a plate with unauthorised graphics on public roads can lead to fines of up to £1,000 and possible vehicle registration withdrawal.
5. Missing Legal Information
One key factor that can make a number plate illegal for road use is the absence of required legal information. According to UK law, all road-legal number plates must display the manufacturer’s name and the British Standard code (BS AU 145e) that confirms the plate meets UK standards. These markings prove that the plate complies with regulations for material quality, visibility, and durability.
Show plates, which are often made for decorative purposes, usually lack this legal information. Using plates without these details on public roads can result in penalties, such as fines of up to £1,000 or even MOT failure. Ensuring compliance is essential to avoid these consequences.
For those unsure whether their plates meet legal requirements, it's recommended to check with a trusted supplier. For fully compliant options, visit our guide to Legal Number Plates to make sure your plates are fit for road use.
At Demon Plates, we understand the importance of custom number plates to reflect your personal style, but it’s equally important to follow UK road laws to avoid fines and penalties. Show plates are a fantastic way to showcase your vehicle at private events, but they aren’t road-legal. For public roads, it’s essential to use plates that meet legal standards for spacing, reflectivity, and authorised symbols.
If you’re unsure whether your plates comply with UK regulations, our show plates vs legal plates guide provides all the information you need to stay on the right side of the law.