What is BS145e?

BS145e is the new standard introduced by the UK Government for the production and display of number plates from the 1st September 2021.

The new standard in plates must be durable and be able to withstand changes in temperature, impacts, bending, abrasion, weathering and dirt.

They must also be provided to the customer in the correct font with only black lettering being the only option, this is so the plates can be read easily by ANPR cameras.

The new standard for plates must also display the Plate Producer and the Postcode on the lower centre of the number plates.

Current 4D number plates are technically legal so long as they are in the correct font and the correct background colour eg. White on the front, Yellow on the rear.

It is really important to make sure that 4D plates meet the strict criteria as set out by the DVLA as you could be fined up to £1,000 and if you have a private plate, the DVLA could withdraw the use of this number plate from yourself.

It is advised that you always use a reputable number plate dealer for obtaining 4D plates.

From the 1st September 2021, carbon fibre plates will not be legal under the new BS145e standard. In previous years these would have been legal.

From the 8th December 2020 and you have a Fully Electric Car (BEV), you are now able to display green number plates on your vehicle.

This was introduced by the UK government for locl councils and authorities to incentivise greener cars by way of cheaper parking, electric car lanes, etc. As of August 2021, no authorities have offered any incentives.

As of 1st January 2021 classic cars registered on or before the 1st January 1980 will be the only vehicles that will legally be able to display the vintage stlye number plates.