Number plates might be small, but the rules around them carry big consequences. In 2025, updates to UK regulations mean drivers need to be more certain than ever that their plates tick every legal box. For most, it’s straightforward, but for those with older or personalised plates, the changes could mean a trip to a registered supplier.
The penalties for getting it wrong haven’t changed: you could face a £1,000 fine, fail an MOT, or even have your plates removed. The good news is that knowing the new rules now makes staying compliant simple.
What Are the New 2025 Number Plate Regulations?
From 1 March 2025, all newly registered vehicles should display plates with the “25” identifier. From 1 September, the sequence changes to “75”. While that part is routine, the regulations surrounding how these plates must look and be made continue to tighten.
Any new plate must meet the BS AU 145e standard. That means:
- Solid black characters on a reflective background
- White front plates and yellow rear plates
- No tints, shadows, or 3D shading effects (raised 4D plates are allowed if the characters are plain black)
- Supplier name, postcode, and the British Standard code printed in small text at the bottom
For most drivers, the layout won’t feel different, but the DVLA will be more active in enforcing these standards.
How These Changes Affect Everyday Drivers
If you’re buying a brand-new vehicle in 2025, your plate will already meet the rules. The bigger risk is if you’ve been using plates made years ago that no longer meet the current standard, or if you’ve altered spacing or added decorative elements.
A non-compliant plate can trigger an MOT failure, which means you can’t legally drive until it’s replaced. It can also put off potential buyers if you plan to sell, as they’ll need to budget for legal replacements.
Font, Spacing, and Character Size Rules
The Charles Wright typeface remains the only legal font for UK number plates. Measurements are exact:
- Height: 79 mm
- Width: 50 mm (narrower for “1” and “I”)
- Stroke width: 14 mm
- Space between characters: 11 mm
- Gap between letter and number groups: 33 mm
- Margins: at least 11 mm top, bottom, and sides
Any attempt to change spacing or shape characters to create words, names, or hidden designs is illegal. Even personalised plates must follow these measurements.
Changes for Electric and Zero-Emission Vehicles
While the plate design itself isn’t changing for EVs in 2025, other rule changes around zero-emission vehicles could affect owners. From 1 April 2025, EVs with a list price over £40,000 face the same £195 “Expensive Car Supplement” applied to petrol and diesel cars.
Green number plates, introduced in 2020 for qualifying zero-emission vehicles, will remain available. These feature a small green flash on the left and can be useful for accessing incentives like discounted parking in some areas.
Fines and Penalties for Non-Compliance
The DVLA’s stance hasn’t softened:
- Up to £1,000 fine for displaying illegal plates
- MOT failure until corrected
- Police powers to seize or withdraw plates in serious cases
Plates that obscure characters, whether by dirt, covers, or illegal design, can also lead to roadside fines. “Ghost plates” or those designed to avoid ANPR detection are increasingly targeted, with campaigns calling for harsher punishments including points and vehicle seizure.
How to Check if Your Current Plates Are Legal
You can do a quick check in a couple of minutes:
- Look at the background and characters - White at the front, yellow at the back, plain black characters only.
- Check the font - Must be the Charles Wright typeface.
- Measure spacing - Compare against legal measurements if unsure.
- Look for supplier info - Name, postcode, and BS AU 145e code printed along the bottom.
- Clean the surface - Dirt or damage that makes characters unreadable can still be an offence.
If anything is missing or incorrect, replacing the plate is the safest option.
Where to Buy Road-Legal Number Plates in 2025
Only DVLA-registered suppliers can legally make number plates for UK road use. Buying from a registered source means you’ll get plates made to the latest standard, complete with correct markings and compliance with all spacing and font rules.
Demon Plates not only produce fully road-legal plates but also offer personalisation that stays within the law. That way, you can choose a design you like without risking fines or MOT failures.
Stay Ahead of the 2025 Rules
Number plate law might not be exciting, but it’s one of the simplest parts of motoring to keep right. A quick check now can confirm if your plates already comply, and if they don’t, replacing them before the DVLA or MOT tester flags it could save you time and money.
With the 2025 changes here, the safest approach is to buy only from trusted, registered suppliers. That way, you get the style you want with the legality you need.