4D Number Plates

What are 4D Number Plates?

4D number plates, also known as next-gen number plates, use laser-cut acrylic that gives the characters a raised, 3D effect. They’re known as 4D plates to differentiate them from 3D plates.

What Are the Differences Between 4D Plates and 3D Plates?

The main difference between 3D plates and 4D plates is the materials used to make the characters. 3D plates use a gel resin for a rounded, glossy appearance, whereas 4D plates use laser-cut acrylic for a bolder, sharper design.

Despite both plate types featuring 3D characters, the characters on 4D plates are more elevated than those on 3D plates. The characters on 4D plates are typically 3 mm to 5 mm in depth, compared to 1.7 mm to 2 mm on 3D plates.

Are 4D Number Plates Legal?

4D plates are legal if they meet specific criteria set by the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA). This includes specific standards for size, font, spacing, and material to ensure the plates are easy to read.

For instance, characters must use Charles Wright typeface, and the number plate must be made to British Standards (BS AU 145e). If your 4D plates adhere to all these standards, they’re legal to use on the road.

At Number 1 Plates, we guarantee road legal number plates.

Get yours from a 4D Plate Specialist

With access to professional laser cutting equipment and ultra-strength 3M adhesive backing, we guarantee quality plates that will last.

Our premium service and fast delivery mean you’ll have your new plates in no time, and our helpful team are always at hand to answer any questions.

We stock over 500,000 reg plates, meaning you’re sure to find the perfect style for your car. You’ll find car specific sizes and a range of customisation options. Our wider collection of plate types includes:

• Replacement Number Plates
• 3D Number Plates
• Show Plates
• Motorcycle Number Plates
• Private Number Plates
• Plates for Cars

Design your own with our plate maker today, or contact us if you’d like to learn more.

How much are 4D number plates?

We offer front and rear 4D number plates from £26.24, making them some of the most affordable high-quality plates available. Exact prices will depend on the customisation options you select, but we promise high quality at impressive prices for all of our products.

4D Plate Types

4 mm and 5 mm 4D Plates

As part of our wide selection of 4D acrylic number plates, we offer 4 mm and 5 mm 4D plates, giving you the maximum legal elevation.

4D Matte Number Plates

4D matte number plates feature a matte texture for a distinctive style.

In September 2021, we launched our range of 4D matte black plates, which are available in both the standard 3mm and 5mm 4D matte options.

4D Show Plates

4D show plates are made for design purposes. They’re perfect for displaying in garages, on bedroom walls, or on your vehicle at shows or trade stands.

Customise your own 4D show plate with Number 1 Plates.

Remember, you will still have to provide documentation for your 4D show plates if they display a road legal registration.

4D Neon Plates

In the past, it was legal to add a different colour to fit underneath the black acrylic of a plate’s characters. These were known as 4D neon plates or 4D crystal plates.

However, since September 2021, it’s been illegal to have any colour other than white, yellow, or black on a number plate. Any companies claiming neon plates are legal are incorrect – these will not pass an MOT and can lead to costly fines and legal issues.

If you’re looking for legal plates you can customise, our 4D plate maker gives you a range of other options, including borders, slogans, and badges.

4D Number Plate Laws

The DVLA’s standards say that your number plate must:

• be made from a reflective material
• display black characters on a white background (front plate)
• display black characters on a yellow background (rear plate)
• not have a background pattern
• be marked to show who supplied the number plate
• be marked with a British Standard number – this is ‘BS AU 145e’ for plates fitted after 1 September 2021

The characters must not be removable or reflective. If your number plates were fitted after 1 September 2021, they must also be a single shade of black.

Your number plates can also:

• have 3D (raised) characters
• display certain flags, symbols and identifiers
• display a green flash, if you have a zero-emission vehicle