Will 4D Number Plates Pass An MOT?
If you’re considering upgrading to 4D number plates, you’re likely wondering whether they pass or fail MOTs.
Fortunately, 4D plates are completely road legal. Therefore, when they’re produced correctly, thus satisfying the relevant legislation, they will pass an MOT test without any issues.
In this article, we will explore what these requirements are, and how they determine a 4D plate’s legality.
What Are 4D Plates?
4D plates are a premium number plate style that utilise raised digits to render a vehicle’s registration three-dimensional.
Characters on 4D number plates are made using impact-modified acrylic.
This material is professionally cut with a laser, allowing for an extremely accurate finish.
Due to the noticeable character depth (often 3mm or 5mm), this creates a more solid look and a bolder plate style.
MOT Requirements for 4D Number Plates
Number plates are governed by the regulations set out in the British Standard 145e.
- They must be the correct size as specified in the rules.
- The background of front plates must be the prescribed reflective white colour and rear plates must be the prescribed reflective yellow colour.
- They must have reflective properties complying with British Standard BS AU 145e.
- They must have physical resilience properties complying with British Standard BS AU 145e.
- They must display solid black characters in the prescribed Charles Wright typeface that comply with the rules governing size, spacing, grouping and positioning.
- They must bear the supplier’s name and postcode and the manufacturer’s mark.
- They must bear the current British Standard number, BS AU 145e.
Plates may optionally have the following:
- Raised 3D characters of plain black colour (known as “4D” number plates) provided that they meet all requirements of British Standard BS AU 145e.
Characters on all number plates (except motorcycles and tricycles) need to be a certain height and size:
- Characters must be 79mm tall.
- Characters (except the number 1 or letter I) must be 50mm wide.
- The character stroke (the thickness of the black print) must be 14mm.
- The space between characters must be 11mm.
- The space between the age identifier and the random letters must be 33mm.
- The margins at the top, bottom and side of the plate must be 11mm.
- Vertical space between the age identifier and the random letters must be 19mm.
Conclusion
As long as your 4D plates meet the aforementioned requirements, they should pass an MOT without any issues.
If you’re considering getting 4D number plates for your vehicle, make sure to choose a reputable supplier, such as Aplates, who can provide plates that meet the required standards.
By doing so, you can customise your vehicle while also ensuring that it remains roadworthy and legal.