There are many myths and misconceptions about private number plates, and in this blog, we will explore some of our favourites.
From insurance premiums to costs, transfers, and more, we’ll dispel myths that might be putting you off buying your perfect private registration. We’ll also tell you where and how to buy private registrations in the UK so you can elevate your car’s aesthetic.
Let’s get cracking with one of the most popular number plate myths around.
Private number plates increase insurance premiums
Car insurance doesn’t include your registration plate because it isn’t a car modification, so having a private reg won’t increase your insurance premiums.
You will need to tell your insurer if you buy a private registration and assign it to your vehicle, but this is only so their details are up-to-date and accurate in the case of a claim.
I can space number plates however I like
Sometimes you’ll see a private number plate on British roads that doesn’t look quite right. If it looks nothing like any other registration you’ve seen in terms of character spacing, it’s probably illegally spaced.
Every DVLA registration has a specific number plate format and while you can buy personalised number plates, they’ll always follow a format that clarifies the spacing of the characters. There’s also a relatively new number plate standard called BS AU 145e that your registration must follow.
Number plates are hard to buy
At National Numbers, all it takes is a few clicks for you to buy the private number plate of your dreams. Taking away the strain and making sure the process is as simple as possible, browse our vast number plate range and buy yours online in minutes.
You can add colourful lights to your private number plate
We’ve all spotted vehicles with multicoloured LEDs on their registrations, speeding along the motorway at night looking like a Christmas tree.
However, since flashing or funky lights can block ANPR cameras and make your registration difficult to read by police officers, they aren’t advised. The reg has to be illuminated sufficiently to be spotted by cameras and police, but the limit is a plain white lightbulb that will likely already be installed on the rear of your vehicle.
The rule of thumb is to not go crazy with the illuminations to the point they obscure the characters on your number plate.
Private number plates are expensive
While cherished (or dateless) number plates can be expensive, there are various options for budget-conscious car owners. Northern Irish registrations, for example, are relatively rare on UK roads even though they’re completely legal, and they can give the impression of a dateless reg without the price tag.
You can also spell words with practically any number plate format with a bit of creativity, and you can do it within your budget with the right number plate advice.
You can buy any number plate for any vehicle
While there’s lots of choice in the private number plate world, there are some rules to adhere to. One of the most important rules is that your registration can’t make your vehicle look newer than it is with the age identifier on the plate.
So, you can’t buy a 73 series registration for a car manufactured before 2003, for example.
I can add a slogan beneath my number plate
Thanks to the introduction of the BS AU 145e standard, the only text that can appear on your registration other than the main characters are the supplier’s business name and postcode, and BS AU 145e in the bottom right corner of the reg.
So, don’t think you can add a personalised message or slogan beneath your reg, and if you can’t resist, add stickers to your vehicle rather than the acrylic number plate.
Transferring a new private number plate is complicated
Nope! The number plate transfer process is simple and can be done online through the DVLA.
You’ll just need a note of the registration number, the latest V5C (logbook) document reference number, and the postcode of the registered keeper as it appears on the logbook. You’ll also need to pay £80.
To transfer a number plate, your vehicle must also be:
- Registered with the DVLA in the UK
- Of a type that needs an MOT or heavy goods vehicle (HGV) test certificate
- Taxed or had a SORN in place continuously for the past 5 years
- Available for inspection - sometimes the DVLA will inspect vehicles during this process, they will contact you if they wish to inspect one of your vehicles.
Also note that:
- You cannot transfer to or from a vehicle registered with a Q or NIQ mark
- You cannot use a private number that makes a vehicle look newer than it is. You can check the age of your vehicle by comparing the year identifier of your current registration against our year of first registration list.
We can also help you with the number plate transfer process after you purchase a private registration through our website or over the phone.
Buy private number plates online
At National Numbers, we know everything there is to know about private number plates. We’re one of the original number plate dealers having been established in 1981 and our expertise is second to none.
Call our team at 01642 363738 or buy a number plate online.
