Top Myths About Private Number Plates

number plates

Private number plates are surrounded by many myths in which some people believe they are exclusively for the wealthy or celebrities, some believe your insurance premium rises and others assume they are overly complicated to purchase or transfer. In reality, private plates are more accessible and straightforward than many realise. They’re also affordable and make great gift options.

Private Number Plates & Insurance

One of the biggest myths is that private number plates increase insurance premiums. This is not true. Having a private registration won’t increase your premiums because car insurance doesn’t include your registration plate and it’s not considered a car modification.

You will, however, need to inform your insurer if you buy a private registration and assign it to your vehicle. This is simply to ensure their records are up to date and accurate in case of a claim.

Spacing & Illumination Rules

Another common misconception is that you can space the characters on a number plate however you like. This is also false. Every DVLA registration has a specific format that dictates the spacing of the characters, and all personalised number plates must adhere to this format.

There’s a relatively new standard called BS AU 145e that your registration must comply with.

While some vehicle owners add colourful lights to their number plates, this is not advisable. Flashing or unusual lights can obstruct ANPR cameras and make your registration difficult for police officers to read.

Your number plate must be illuminated acceptably to be visible to cameras and police, but this should be achieved with a plain white lightbulb, which is typically already installed on the rear of your vehicle. Avoid excessive illumination that obscures the characters on your number plate.

Adding Slogans and Transfer Process

It is straightforward to assign a car plate. The DVLA’s online system or postal transfer services make it easy to transfer the number plate after you find the right vehicle. If you want to sell it to a friend or family member, you can even transfer it to their car as a nice gift.

Due to the BS AU 145e standard, the only text allowed on your registration besides the main characters is the supplier’s business name and postcode, along with “BS AU 145e” in the bottom right corner. This means you cannot add a personalised message or slogan beneath your registration. If you really want to add a message, consider using stickers on your vehicle instead of the acrylic number plate.

Transferring a new private number plate is a straightforward process that can be completed online via the DVLA website. The necessary information includes the registration number, the latest V5C (logbook) document reference number, the registered keeper’s postcode as shown on the logbook, and a payment of £80.

To transfer a number plate, your vehicle must meet the following criteria:

  • Registered with the DVLA in the UK
  • A vehicle type that requires an MOT or heavy goods vehicle (HGV) test certificate
  • Taxed or has had a SORN in place continuously for the past 5 years
  • Available for inspection (the DVLA may inspect vehicles during the process)

Additionally:

  • Transfers to or from vehicles registered with a Q or NIQ mark are not permitted
  • You cannot use a private number that makes a vehicle appear newer than it is
  • You can check the age of your vehicle against the year identifier of your current registration on the DVLA’s year of first registration list.

How Do I Transfer a Personalised Registration to a Vehicle?

You’ll need the following documents to transfer a personalised registration to a UK vehicle:

  • Vehicle Registration Certificate (V5C): This document, also known as the logbook, is essential to assign your vehicle’s personal registration number.
  • An MOT certificate that’s valid: Your vehicle’s age will determine whether it needs to have a current MOT certificate.
  • Vehicle tax: Tax must be paid or a Statutory Off Road Notification (SORN) must be obtained.

The V5C is essential for proving ownership, selling the vehicle, or making updates with the DVLA.

Cost & Availability

While certain rare combinations can fetch high prices, there are plenty of affordable options you can choose from.

Cherished or dateless number plates can be expensive, but there are budget-friendly options available.

For example, Northern Irish registrations are less common on UK roads but are perfectly legal. They offer a similar aesthetic to a dateless registration but at a lower cost.

With a little creativity, you can also spell words using almost any number plate format, and with the right advice, this can be done within your budget.While there’s a wide selection of private number plates, some rules limit what you can buy. One key rule is that your registration cannot make your vehicle appear newer than it is based on the age identifier on the plate. For instance, you cannot purchase a 73 series registration for a car manufactured before 2023.

Finding Affordable Number Plates

If you’re looking for affordable private number plates we have plenty of options at Reg Plates. We have a large selection of number plates to suit different budgets and make it easy to search for the perfect one. Whether you’re after something simple or a plate that stands out, we have lots of options to choose from.

Avoid These Mistakes with Private Number Plates

Private plates can be a great addition, but avoid these common errors to ensure a smooth experience:

  1. Incorrect Spacing or Fonts

Changing character spacing, fonts, or adding decorations is illegal and can result in fines. Always use DVLA-compliant plates from Reg Plates as an approved supplier.

  • Failing to Inform Your Insurer

Notify your insurer after assigning a private plate to avoid discrepancies in your policy.

  • Age Identifier Misuse

You cannot use a plate that makes your vehicle appear newer than it is. Check age restrictions before purchasing.

  • Overlooking Transfer Rules

Ensure your vehicle is taxed, registered in the UK, and meets DVLA criteria for plate transfers.

  • Losing Plates During a Sale

Transfer your plate to retention before selling your car to retain ownership.

  • Unauthorised Accessories

Avoid flashy lights, colored bulbs, or slogans that violate legal standards and obscure the plate.

  • Buy Legitimate Plates from Reg Plates

Always purchase plates from a trusted dealer to ensure authenticity and compliance. Here at Reg Plates, we have been buying and selling private number plates for decades and have grown into one of the industry’s leading number plate suppliers.