Plate Talk
Guides, styles and the rules of the road, in plain English.
Local · 24 October 2026
Number Plates in Barking, Ilford, Romford and East London
Need number plates in Barking, Ilford, Romford or East London? PlatedUp makes road-legal 3D gel, 4D and hex plates in Barking, IG11.
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Styles · 23 October 2026
5mm Gel vs 7mm Gel Plates: How Much Depth Do You Want?
Thinking about deep gel plates? We compare 5mm and 7mm gel number plates so you can choose the right depth for your car.
Guides · 22 October 2026
How Long Do Number Plates Last?
Good number plates can last for many years. Here's what wears them out and the signs it's time for a new set.
The Law · 21 October 2026
What Is a DVLA Registered Number Plate Supplier?
Only DVLA registered suppliers can legally make road-legal plates. Here's what that means and why it matters when you buy.
The Law · 20 October 2026
Number Plate Spacing Rules: Why You Can't Move the Letters
Changing the spacing on your number plate to spell a word is illegal. Here are the UK spacing rules and the risks of breaking them.
The Law · 19 October 2026
The Legal Number Plate Font: Charles Wright 2001
There's only one legal font for UK number plates. Here's the story of Charles Wright 2001 and why fancy fonts can get you fined.
Guides · 18 October 2026
Stolen Number Plates: What to Do Next
Had your number plates stolen? Here's what to do straight away to protect yourself from fines and cloned plates, and how to replace them.
Guides · 17 October 2026
Just Bought a Private Plate? Here's How to Get Your Plates Made
Bought a personalised registration? Here's what to do next, from assigning it to your car to getting legal plates made.
Guides · 16 October 2026
How to Clean and Look After Your Number Plates
Keep your 3D gel, 4D and printed plates looking brand new for years with these simple cleaning and care tips.
The Law · 15 October 2026
Can Your Number Plates Make You Fail Your MOT?
Yes, number plates are checked at every MOT. Here's what the tester looks for and how to make sure your plates pass first time.
The Law · 14 October 2026
Flags on Number Plates: UK, England, Scotland and Wales
You can legally show a national flag on your number plate. Here are the flags and letters allowed in the UK, and the rules to follow.
Guides · 13 October 2026
How to Fit Number Plates: Sticky Pads or Screws?
Fitting new number plates is easy. Here's a step-by-step guide to fitting with sticky pads or screws, and which one is best for your car.
The Law · 12 October 2026
Number Plate Fines in the UK: What Can Get You Caught
Illegal number plates can cost you up to £1,000. Here are the most common mistakes drivers make, and how to stay on the right side of the law.
The Law · 11 October 2026
BS AU 145e Explained: The UK Number Plate Standard
Every UK number plate fitted since September 2021 must meet BS AU 145e. Here's what the standard covers, in plain English.
Electric Cars · 10 October 2026
Green Flash Number Plates for Electric Cars
Drive a zero-emission car? You can add a green flash to your number plates. Here's who qualifies, what it means and how to order.
Guides · 9 October 2026
Show Plates Explained: What You Can and Can't Do
Show plates let you put any name or word on a plate, but they're not road legal. Here's where you can use them and how to order.
Styles · 8 October 2026
3D Gel vs 4D Number Plates: Which Should You Choose?
Gel or acrylic? We compare 3D gel and 4D number plates on looks, durability and price so you can pick the right style for your car.
The Law · 7 October 2026
What Documents Do You Need to Buy Number Plates?
By law, UK number plate suppliers must see proof you own the registration and photo ID. Here's exactly which documents are accepted.
The Law · 6 October 2026
Are 4D Number Plates Legal in the UK?
Yes, 4D number plates are legal in the UK if they meet BS AU 145e. Learn exactly what makes a raised-letter plate road legal.
Styles · 5 October 2026
What Are 4D Number Plates? A Simple Guide
4D number plates use laser-cut acrylic letters for a bold raised look. Here's what they are, how they're made and why drivers love them.