What Are Shaped Number Plates?
Believe it or not, UK number plate shapes don’t just have to be the standard rectangle. That’s right, vehicle owners can display different-shaped number plates that are designed and cut to fit the exact contours of the vehicle, offering a personalised appearance that helps make the vehicle more unique.
The rise in popularity for road users to feature shaped number plates began with personalised plates in the early 2000s, with more cars showcasing not just plates that are subject to the standard rectangle shape, but also number plates featuring 3D and 4D characters. The main alternative shape to gain popularity is called a hex plate, and lipped plates also became more common.
These alternative number plate shapes and features were not just great for public road users, but also for car showrooms and private plate companies looking to draw the eye to benefit sales.
Types of Number Plate Shapes
Modern, made-up number plates come in various shapes and formats to suit different vehicle styles, contours, personal preferences and legal requirements. Whether you’re a private plate company printing personalised and shaped number plates for customers, an individual wanting to upgrade their car or you sell vehicles but want to outsource plate printing, these are the different shapes and custom options available:
3D And 4D Gel Plates
These plates use raised characters made from gel resin (3D) or acrylic (4D) for a bold, stylish look. We’re not just talking about the alternative letters, 3D and 4D plates can also be a hex or specific to the vehicle model. 3D and 4D plates offer improved visual depth and a premium finish while staying legally compliant.
Hex And Lipped Plates
Hex plates have a unique six-sided, angular design that gives a modern, eye-catching appearance. Lipped shaped number plates feature an additional, wider bottom margin to showcase branding, dealership information, patterns and other additional details, as long as compliant, ideal for commercial businesses.
Motorcycle And Other Vehicle Plates
Motorcycles and smaller vehicles use smaller number plate shapes that are designed for limited mounting space. These plates are usually square or vertically oriented to suit the shape and size of the vehicle.
Why Opt for a Shaped Number Plate?
For both the public and businesses, alternative shaped number plates provide many different benefits.
The first apparent benefit is the personalisation involved compared to standard, rectangular number plates, making them a popular choice among drivers who want to personalise their vehicles. The aesthetic appeal alone allows for a more refined or bold look, depending on the chosen shape.
From sleek hex plates to lipped designs that integrate branding or dealership details, these shaped plates can elevate the visual impact of a car or motorcycle. Having a shaped plate bespoke to a car’s unique contours provide a subtle yet effective way to stand out on the road without compromising legality.
Beyond visuals, shaped number plates also improve compatibility with different vehicle types. Motorcycles and imported vehicles often require non-standard dimensions or layouts due to limited mounting space. Tailored number plate shapes ensure a better fit, avoiding awkward overhangs or gaps.
Shaped plates are all about reflecting the driver’s personality, complementing a vehicle’s body work and helping to detail relevant information. They help enhance the overall sense of ownership and customisation.
The Legal Requirements
The DVLA sets out stringent requirements for standard number plates, and custom shaped number plates are no different. These standards are vital to understand if you plan on printing your own custom plates.
Fonts
Only the standard Charles Wright font is permitted on UK plates – standard and shaped. Any sort of decorative or italic styes are not allowed, as they reduce legibility and can result in MOT failure and DVLA rejection.
Size
Regardless of the plate shape, the size of the characters must meet minimum height and spacing rulings:
- Each character must be 64 mm high
- Individual character width must be 44 mm
- Characters must be spaced apart by 10 mm
- Plates must be marked with BS AU 145e
- Front shaped plate must feature a white background, back plate must feature yellow background
Materials Used
Legal shaped number plates must be made from reflective, durable materials. Acrylic is the most common for shaped pates, offering clarity and weather resistance while meeting visibility requirements. Aluminium plates are an option for vehicles manufactured before 1980, or those that fall into the ‘classic car’ category.
MOT Issues
Plates that don’t meet these legal standards set by the DVLA can cause an MOT failure. Shaped plates must remain fully readable and be fitted correctly.
DVLA Standards
You may have produced the number plate adhering to DVLA standards, but to manufacture them you must also be registered by the DVLA, too. Number plates must also include the maker’s name and postcode as well as the British Standard code BSAU 145e to remain road legal.
Choose the Right Supplier
Here at Uniplate, we support businesses and individuals looking to manufacture legal number plate shapes and designs.
We have the equipment and components every business needs to print and produce their own number plates, whether showroom number plates or to add that next-level individuality to a fleet. If you want to outsource your number plate printing to us, we can also take on that responsibility. No matter if you choose to purchase number plate equipment or outsource manufacturing, we are committed to both quality and value for money.
How to Install and Maintain Your Shaped Number Plate
Installing number plates, regardless of shape, can be done at home using sticky pads or screws, but it is recommended to have it fitted by a professional to ensure secure alignment and avoid damage to the vehicle. Correct placement is especially important for unique number plate shapes, or those featuring lipped designs or 3D/4D characters.
Number plates must be visible, so if any dirt is blocking visibility, front or back plate, clean it with a soft cloth and non-abrasive cleaner – many work this into their routine clean. Avoid pressure washers too close to the plates, as they can lift gel characters or damage the surface.
What to Avoid
So, what are the things you must avoid when creating shaped number plates? Many of these extend to regular number plates as well – avoid these key mistakes to remain legal:
- Illegal design – using the wrong font, spacing and reflective background can result in MOT failures and fines
- Using unregistered sellers – purchasing poor-quality plates from unregistered sellers will result in cracks, fades and detachment over time
- Failure to consider vehicle design – choosing a shaped plate that is incompatible with your vehicle can lead to awkward and unsecure placement, so always ensure the plate suits the shape and size of your vehicle
Create Your Custom Shaped Number Plates Today
Want to add a higher level of customisation to your vehicle? Do you want to draw eyes to your marketing or fleet? Are you looking to print individualised plates for your customers? Shaped number plates are a great alternative to the standard rectangle offerings and can be further enhanced with lipped features and 3D or 4D characters. But remember, just because the shape is different, it doesn’t mean they can waver from DVLA regulations.
Uniplate is here with leading advice and support on the best equipment you need, what shaped number plate will work best for your vehicle and any other assistance.
Contact Us
Number plates of all types is our speciality. Browse our number plate equipment or get in touch with us on 01827 310 000 or send your details to enquiries@uniplate.co.uk to get started.