What are the Rules for Black and Silver Number Plates

black and silver private plates

Number plates in black and silver are a classic look for many car enthusiasts. A classic plate isn’t just about aesthetics though, these number plates must adhere to specific rules and regulations.

Their use today is limited to specific vehicles that meet strict eligibility criteria. From construction dates to tax classifications, the rules governing these plates are detailed and precise, designed to balance the preservation of motoring. Let’s go into more detail.

History of Black and Silver Number Plates

Since 1903, it has been mandatory for vehicles to display a registration number. These numbers, initially consisting of one letter and one number, were brought into use following the Motor Car Act 1903.

Over the years, number plate designs have evolved, including a significant shift in 1973, when black and silver plates were replaced by yellow rear and white front reflective plates. This change was primarily for visibility and safety reasons, making it easier to see vehicles, especially at night. However, for many classic car owners, the original black and silver plates remained a symbol of their vehicle’s heritage.

The first ever registration was A 1, marking the beginning of a system designed to identify vehicles. Despite these changes, the desire for the classic look of black and silver plates remains strong, especially among owners of older vehicles.

Who Can Display Black and Silver Plates?

Black and silver plates are not available for every car. There are specific criteria that must be met, and these have changed over the years. As of January 1, 2021, the rules were updated again. Here’s the current situation:

  • Construction Date: To display traditional black and silver number plates, a vehicle must have been constructed before 1 January 1975. Any vehicle made after this date, regardless of being in the DVLA’s historic tax class, is not eligible to display them.
  • Historic Vehicle Tax Class: The vehicle must also be registered within the ‘historic vehicles’ tax class with the DVLA. This is separate from the age-based vehicle tax exemption, and you must apply to be in this class.
  • 40-Year Rule: Generally, vehicles over 40 years old are exempt from vehicle tax. This 40-year period is calculated on a rolling basis, advancing each year on 1st April. However, the 40 year rule for vehicle tax exemption does not override the 1st January 1980 construction date for displaying black and silver plates.
  • No Euro Symbols on New Plates: Since 1 January 2021, it’s no longer permissible to fix a new number plate displaying a Euro symbol. Existing plates are not affected, but any new ones must comply.
  • British Standard: New number plates first fixed to a vehicle from 1 September 2021 must meet the technical requirements of a new British Standard introduced by the DVLA.

These rules are in place to ensure that vehicles are both road-legal and have a sense of historical accuracy. It also allows older vehicles to maintain their authenticity and be in keeping with their age.

How to Get Your Black and Silver Plates

If your vehicle meets the necessary criteria, here’s what you need to do to get your black and silver number plates:

  • Apply for Historic Vehicle Tax Class: You must apply for the historic vehicles tax class. Even if your vehicle is exempt from tax due to its age, you still need to declare it as either taxed or off the road using a Statutory Off Road Notification (SORN).
  • Buy From a Registered Supplier: Black and silver plates must be bought from a registered number plate supplier. This ensures that the plates meet DVLA standards.
  • Provide Necessary Documentation: When visiting us about your number plates, take your vehicle log book and some photographic ID. These documents are necessary for us to verify that your vehicle is eligible for black and silver plates.
  • Choose Your Plate Type: You can select from various options, such as pressed metal, plastic or hand-painted digits, depending on your preferences and budget.

Important Points to Keep in Mind

  • Correct Display: The registration number must be displayed correctly and cannot be rearranged or altered so that it is hard to read. There are legal requirements for font height and size.
  • Consequences of Non-Compliance: Displaying number plates incorrectly can result in losing the right to display that registration number.
  • Age of Vehicle: Even if you buy a personalised vehicle registration, you can’t make the vehicle appear younger than it is. The number plate will always be associated with the age of the vehicle.

Insurance for Classic Vehicles

While the DVLA uses the 40-year rule to define a historic vehicle for tax purposes, you can obtain classic vehicle insurance for younger vehicles. For example, if you are a member of a car enthusiast’s club, your insurance company may provide cover for a car much younger than 40 years old.

Many insurance providers offer agreed value cover, which protects the true value of your classic car rather than its depreciated market value. This is particularly important for vehicles with rare parts, unique modifications, or historical significance. Some policies include perks such as breakdown cover, show and rally cover, or even discounts for vehicles kept within a club network.

It’s worth noting that the definition of a “classic vehicle” can vary between insurers. While some may adhere to the 40-year rule, others might consider cars over 20 or 25 years old as classics, depending on their make, model, and rarity. To find the best policy for your vehicle, shop around, and don’t forget to highlight any relevant memberships or limited mileage use, as these could significantly reduce your premium.

Final Thoughts

Black and silver number plates are more than just an old number plate, they are a classic look and a link to the past. By adhering to the rules and regulations set out by the DVLA, you can ensure that your classic car is both legally compliant and authentically presented. Whether your car is a beloved vintage vehicle or a classic in the making, understanding these rules is vital for any enthusiast.

Make sure to check the DVLA website for the most up-to-date information and guidelines, we hope this blog post helped.