Are 4D Number Plates Legal in the UK and Can They Be Snapped by Cameras?
Number plates are an essential part of vehicle registration in the United Kingdom, but the growing popularity of 4D number plates has raised questions about their legality and the effectiveness of automated number plate recognition (ANPR) cameras like those used for ULEZ enforcement.
Understanding 4D Number Plates
4D number plates are custom-designed number plates that are sold for display purposes, often at car shows and rallies, but not intended for regular use on public roads. These plates are usually more aesthetically appealing and can come in various shapes, sizes, and designs, including 3D effects. However, their legality and the potential issues with ANPR cameras have led to misconceptions about their use on the road.
The Legal Framework for Number Plates in the UK
Number plates in the UK must comply with strict regulations to ensure they are clearly readable and safe to use. One of the main regulations involves the British Standard (BS AU 145e) stamp, which is required on any road legal number plate. A 4D plate is illegal for use on the road unless it has the BS AU 145e stamp.
Without the stamp, a 4D number plate is not an authorised number plate and can result in severe penalties. The fine for displaying an unauthorised number plate on a vehicle is typically around ￡1,000. It is also illegal to buy a non-compliant number plate for use on a UK road.
What's Wrong with Custom 4D Plates?
Custom 4D plates, although often visually striking, present several issues.
Font and Size Compliance: 4D plates may have a different font or smaller text, which can reduce readability by ANPR cameras. This non-compliance can result in missed fee payments for users of congestion charge schemes, such as the Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ). Misleading Characters: Some 4D plates use tricks to make characters appear bent or folded, which could mislead ANPR cameras. Reflective Patterns: Many 4D plates have intricate backgrounds or patterns, which can interfere with the clear identification of the number plate by ANPR cameras.Common Misconceptions about 4D Number Plates
There are several misconceptions surrounding 4D number plates:
Legal Use on the Road: 4D plates are not meant for regular use on public roads unless they are road legal. Displaying such plates on the road can result in significant fines. ANPR Camera Readability: Many 4D plates are designed to make the number and letters look different, which can make them unreadable by ANPR cameras. This can lead to issues with ULEZ enforcement, among other fines. Sales and Distribution: Non-compliant number plates are sold for display purposes, typically at car shows and rallies, but they should not be used on public roads without the proper certification.Conclusion
In summary, 4D number plates are not inherently illegal, but they must strictly comply with the current regulations for number plates in the UK. Any plate sold for use on the road must have the British Standard (BS AU 145e) stamp. Deviating from these standards not only risks a hefty fine but also poses challenges for the proper identification of vehicles by ANPR systems.
For those interested in custom plates for ceremonial or exhibition purposes, it is crucial to ensure they are not confused with road legal number plates to avoid potential legal issues.