The Legal Number Plate Font: Charles Wright 2001
19 October 2026 · 2 min read
Look closely at any legal UK number plate and you'll see the same font. It's called Charles Wright 2001, and since September 2001 it's been the only font allowed on UK number plates.
Why one font?
Number plates need to be read instantly by people and by cameras. Charles Wright 2001 was designed so every character is clear and distinct. It's narrow enough to fit seven characters on a standard plate, but still easy to read from a distance and at night.
Characters that are easy to mix up
The font is designed to make similar characters easier to tell apart, such as:
- B and 8
- O and 0
- I and 1
- S and 5
That's one reason using a different font is a problem: it can make plates harder for ANPR cameras and the police to read.
The size rules
On a standard car plate, every character must be:
- 79mm tall
- 50mm wide (except the number 1 and the letter I)
- With a 14mm thick stroke
There are also set gaps between characters and between the two groups of characters.
Can 3D and 4D plates use it?
Yes, and they must. Our 4D and 3D gel characters are cut and shaped in the legal Charles Wright font, so you get the raised look and stay legal.
Want a different font? That's only allowed on a show plate for off-road display. For the road, design a legal plate here.
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