We’ve had numberplates with daft fonts; then there were ‘3D Gel’ plates, and next, were ‘4D’ raised acrylic plates.
And now the latest trend is ‘bubble contour’ number plates, where the plate is cut around the outline of the lettering. But would you pass it when it comes to an MOT?
The rules around plates state that there should be 11mm of blank space (or border gap) around the text; this has often been a point of contention when it comes to ‘short’ number plates, but bubble plates feature 11mm around every letter.
In theory, as long as the font is ‘Charles Wright 2001’ and the spacing is correct, there shouldn’t be an issue. But legibility at a distance surely comes into play when there’s so little border around the actual text?
Bubble plates are currently undergoing evaluations regarding BSAU 145E and their compliance. And the Police are classing them as ‘legal’ until told otherwise.
Over to you, let us know below. Would you pass, or fail?
Illegal number plates are considered as having:
Non-standard character spacing: Altering the spacing between letters and numbers to create words or phrases is illegal. Characters must be displayed in the prescribed format without manipulation.
Incorrect font: Only the mandated ‘Charles Wright 2001’ typeface is permitted. Any other font, including stylised or decorative lettering, is illegal.
Wrong colours: Front plates must have black characters on a white background, while rear plates require black on yellow. Any deviation from this colour scheme is unlawful.
Reflective or removable characters: Characters must be non-reflective and permanently affixed. Plates with reflective or removable letters and numbers are illegal.
Background patterns or designs: Number plates must have a plain background. Any patterns, textures, or images behind the characters are prohibited.
Unapproved flags or emblems: While certain national flags and identifiers are allowed, any other graphics, logos, or emblems are illegal.
Misrepresented registration: Displaying a registration number that doesn’t belong to the vehicle or altering the plate to misrepresent the actual registration is illegal.
Eddie Bamber
If the Police are classing these plates as ‘legal’, I would have to pass them until the DVSA say differently. However, the illustration above does not show the BSAU number and the maker’s details. Therefore, I would class it as a show plate and fail it accordingly.
Norman Twigg
Plates have always be debatable as the mot is for safety condition of the vehicle and as such is not part of an mot. However we now have to apply legal requirements . If they meet all legal requirements we have to pass them
Thomas
I’m not sure on that, if you look very closely, it looks like it does have something written there. I cant read it clearly but i’d say in person there is a BSAU number and makers details.
Mike
Exactly as Eddie says above… no ID.. can’t be legal.
Apart from the fact they look absolutely stupid 😜
TERRY MURPHY
You do not need to check:
the supplier’s name
postcode
BS number
logos or emblems outside the minimum margin around the registration number
Steve Fletcher
Correct! Still look silly though!
Dave
Well done for reading the manual, so many do not.