Along with the new number plate system that started in 2001, the DVLA also revised regulations on how car numbers plates should look, and the way in which they should be displayed. The revised regulations apply not only to plates registered from 2001 onwards, but also apply to replacement plates for cars registered before 2001.
The number one requirement for number plates is the typeface. Since 2001 all number plates must display a very simple sans serif typeface, which is easy to read for humans, and for electronic recognition systems such as traffic cameras. This requirement is somewhat of a frustration for individuals who like personalised number plates, but is a legal requirement since non-compliance could involve heavy fines. One decorative effect allowed is a 3D version of the mandatory typeface.
Colours and reflectivity of number plates are also regulated and there is a British standard (BS AU 145d) for the physical characteristics for number plates, including visibility, strength and reflectivity. Interestingly, front plates must have black letters on a white background, while rear plates must have black letters on a yellow background.
Other options for customisation are limited to the text next to the plate and the flag display, which can be an English Flag (St George Cross) with ‘ENG’ on the plate, a Scottish Flag (St Andrew Cross) with ‘SCO’ on the plate or Welsh Flag (green dragon on green/white field) with ‘Cymru’ or ‘Wales’ on the plate. A popular design is the Euro Flag (circle of stars) combined with GB. This saves the driver from having to put a separate sticker on the car’s window that spells ‘GB’.
