Do You Need Number Plates Front and Back?
When it comes to displaying a number plate on your vehicle, do you display one on the front and back of your vehicle? Or is it acceptable to display just the one? Here at Primo Registrations, we’ll tell you everything you need to know about displaying number plates to ensure that you comply with the law.
So first things first, the number plate on your vehicle should be made up by a manufacturer who is registered on the DVLA’s Register of Number Plate Suppliers (RNPS). You will be asked to produce documents such as the V5 logbook and personal ID to confirm that you are entitled to use the registration.
However, if you have recently had a private car registration assigned to your vehicle then you won’t receive your new registration documents immediately; you will be given a document authorising you to have the number plates made up.
The DVLA rules for number plates are very specific and reputable number plate manufacturers (from the RNPS) will be aware of these. Click here to learn more about what’s legal to have on your number plate including fonts and styles.
So, now you know the number plate basics – fonts, styles and legitimate number plate manufacturers that have been approved by the DVLA – but what about where they should be displayed on your vehicle?
Standard Vehicles
Well, since 1903, all vehicles on public roads must be officially registered and display a number plate on the front and rear of the vehicle. They should be made from a reflective material and be different on the back to the front.
The front plates should display black characters on a white background (as per British Standard BS AU 145d), whilst the rear plate should display black characters on a yellow background (again, as per British Standard BS AU 145d). They should also not have a background pattern. Those who do not meet these legal requirements run the risk of receiving fines or the number plates being removed from the vehicle.
2 & 3 Wheelers
However, as with anything, there are always exceptions to the rules. Motorcycles and motor tricycles registered on or after 1 September 2001 are required to only display a number plate on the rear of the vehicle. If you ride a motorbike or motor tricycle registered before 1 September 2001, you can also display a number plate at the front, but it’s not obligatory.
Trailer Towing
If you have a trailer, it must display the same number plate as the vehicle you’re towing it with. If you’re towing more than one trailer, the number plate must be fixed to the trailer at the back.
So, now you know: car registrations are required on the front and back of a standard vehicle. Are you on the hunt for a private number plate? Be sure to check out our extensive selection today.
