Front vs Rear Number Plates: What's the Difference?

Every car in the UK needs two number plates, and they're not the same. Here's what you need to know about each one.

Why different colours?

• The front plate has black characters on a white reflective background.
• The rear plate has black characters on a yellow reflective background.

The colours make it easy to tell at a glance whether a car is coming towards you or driving away, especially at night when the reflective backgrounds light up.

Rules for both plates

• The same registration, in the legal font and spacing
• Made to BS AU 145e, with the supplier's name, postcode and the standard's mark
• Clean, readable and securely fitted

The rear plate must be lit

Your rear plate must be lit at night by the car's number plate lights. If a bulb blows, replace it quickly, because it's an offence and an MOT fail.

Can I just replace one plate?

Yes. If one plate is cracked or damaged, you can order just the front or just the rear. If you're changing style, for example to 4D plates, it usually looks best to do both so they match.

In our plate builder, choose Both Plates, Front Only or Rear Only.