Ever wondered why the front and back number plates on a vehicle are different? Or why you never see a number plate with bright red text? Well there’s an answer to both of these questions and more. There are set rules about the ways in which a number plate must be displayed in the UK and the colours on a plate are one of them. Keep reading this article to find out why number plates are different colours and the colours that you are allowed to use.
The colours of a number plate?
There are standards set in place by the DVLA that determine the colours of a number plate. Modern number plates must display a white background on the front plate, and a yellow reflective background on the rear plate. Along with this, all text must be displayed in black, clear text.
Although it may seem unusual that all number plates must be the same colour, there is reason for it. One of the most important reasons is so that the plate is visible and can be clearly read if the vehicle is involved in an incident. Whether this be a road accident, illegal driving on the road or the vehicle has been involved in theft. The registration number makes the vehicle unique, therefore it is how to plate can be identified in any of these cases.
On top of this, road cameras also need to be able to read number plates. Speed cameras track each vehicle by the number plate, as do other cameras, such as car parking cameras that track how long a vehicle has been in an allocated spot. If a number plate cannot clearly be read then this can cause problems.
Cherished number plate colours
However, there is always an exception to the rule and this is true when it comes to cherished number plates. A cherished number plate is also known as a dateless number plate and is a plate registered before the 1960s. They are sought after by motorists as they can hide the age of a vehicle and as they have less characters, drivers can be more creative with these private number plates.
If you driver a classic car and you have a cherished number plate, you are legally allowed to have a classic number plate attached to your vehicle too. These have a black outline, black text and either a white or silver background for both the front and rear plate. Originally these plates were made out of metal, but if you want a cheaper version, you can opt for a standard plastic plate. These classic plates add to the overall look of a vintage car.
Where to buy a private number plate
If you’re interested in purchasing your own private number plate, whether that be a cherished or modern plate, they are extremely easy to come by. As we said earlier, old plates can be pricey because they are dateless and have less characters, however you can pick up a modern number plate from £250 upwards.
The quickest and easiest way to buy a private number plate is online at Newreg.co.uk. This is a website that allows you to buy and sell used private number plates. Simply search for the plate you’re looking for an all close alternatives will appear with a price. The DVLA also sell new and used private number plates online and at auctions across the UK.
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