It is a common misconception that number plates are simply an assortment of numbers and letters, with no real meaning to them. However, this is not the case. The seemingly random collection actually represents the age of your car, so, why not learn more about what they mean?
Here is all you need to know to make sense of number plates.
How your number plate is put together
Your number plate is made up of three different factors:
– A local memory tag- this tag is the first two letters, which shows just where the vehicle was registered. The first letter represents the region of registration and the second letter is the local DVLA office where the vehicle was registered to.
– An age identifier- next comes two numbers that are found in the middle of the number plate, are the age identifiers. They will age the vehicle between a 6 month period. This could be March to August or September to February. These age identifiers change on both the 1st March and the 1st September.
– Finally the number plate will be finished with an assortment of random letters. These are what makes the identity of the car completely unique.
What rules are there about the design on the number plate?
When it comes to your number plate there are certain rules that you need to keep in mind and follow. All new number plates, whether they are personalised number plates or standard ones, should display a mandatory font. This even takes into account existing number plates too.
Any number plates that are customised with stylised letters or figures need to be replaced. Not only this, but those number plates that use the number plate fixing bolts to change the appearance of the letters or numbers. These will also need to be changed too if you want to keep within the all
important rules.
Another thing to consider when it comes to number plates is that since 2009, drivers throughout England, Scotland and Wales will be able to add a national flag to their number plates. This could be the Union Flag, the Cross of St George, Saltire or the Red Dragon of Wales. If you looking to get a plate customised, then use a site like New Reg.
Along with this they can also have a number of other identifiers added to represent their country. No other symbols or flags are allowable on number plates. Something that you need to always keep in mind.
If you are planning on travelling throughout Europe in your car, then even if you have the flag or identifier on your number plate, then you are going to need to also have the more conventional oval sticker which will identify where the car is from.
Your number plate is far more important than you might realise. Especially if you want to make it personalised and unique, as so many people decide to do. So, make sure that you follow the rules that apply to displaying them and you won’t find yourself in any trouble at all.
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