Many of us enjoy seeing unique and distinctive cars, and one popular way to do this is using number plates. Everyone has heard of customized license plates, but what about the newest craze? Stylish 4D license plates are becoming more and more popular.

Read More: 4D Number Plates

This page will explain what 4D number plates are, if they are legal, and discuss the laws that are in place now and in the future regarding number plates.

What do 4D license plates mean?

To put it simply, 4D number plates are an advancement over 3D ones. They provide dimension to your plate and allow you to stand out from the crowd on the road. The 4D option uses laser-cut acrylic numerals and letters that are adhered to the plate using an adhesive to create a dramatic elevated look, in contrast to the 3D alternative’s modestly raised characters.

Each character can have an additional element of uniqueness by having a distinct color behind it in addition to the legally needed black font. Having said that, regulations prohibiting this two-tone look in favor of solid black will go into effect in September 2021.

Which license plates are acceptable?

How can you tell which number plate designs are safe and lawful among the many varieties that are available?

According to the DVLA, a number plate’s look must comply with the following legal guidelines:

produced with a reflecting backdrop

Must use the normal font and follow spacing guidelines

Bolts and other symbols that make the characters harder to read are not permitted.

Every letter needs to be the same height.

Black text on a white background is required for front plates, while black text on a yellow background is required for back plates.

The British Standard Number, the name and postcode of the providing outlet, the manufacturer’s or supplier’s trade mark, or some other means of identification, and other information must all be included on a number plate.

There may be fines for anything that doesn’t follow these rules.

What kinds of license plates are available?

There are plenty of alternatives for number plates, so let’s look at some of the most popular designs.

Green electric vehicle license plates:

Owners of electric vehicles may flaunt their environmental commitment by donning number plates with a green flash on the side.

Tinted number plates:

They cover the reflecting layer with a darker-tinted coating, which dims the brightness. They are thus prohibited.

Number plates with stickers:

Lightweight peel-off number plates that are simple to install and take off. Since many are not produced using reflecting materials or in accordance with established regulations, they are frequently prohibited.

3D license plates:

This style has slightly elevated numerals and letters that are gel-raised.

4D license plates:

For more depth and intensity, the numbers were created using laser-cut acrylic. They can be two-toned now for more depth and personalization, but starting in September 2021, they must be pure black.

How do 4D and 3D Gel number plates vary from one another?

You may have wondered what the differences are between the many designs of premium number plates that are available on the market, after hearing these industry standard terminology used to describe them.

We would like to provide some clarification on the range of designs that Utopia Plates offers. You may feel secure in your purchase from us since everything we sell complies with the new BSAU145e regulations and is completely road legal.

3D Gel Resin

The least expensive number plate style is usually 3D Gel; the letters on these are produced from gel resin, which is then cured to solidify into the Charles Wright font for number plates. Compared to their “4D” blocky siblings, they feature a more subtle finish and a wonderful curvature that catches the light nicely.

4D Laser Cutting

The letters on “4D” number plates are laser-cut acrylic, usually with a depth of 3 or 5 millimeters. These have blocky, very noticeable edges that are sharp—but not dangerously so. Compared to the 3D Gel number plates, they are more visually striking since they are obviously three-dimensional!

They are, in fact, three-dimensional rather than four-dimensional as the name would imply. They were only given this moniker in order to set themselves apart from the 3D Gel number plates!

4D 3mm with Gel

This design, which creates a thick, blocky digit with curves on top, blends the 3D Gel style with the 4D laser cut digits, is for those who enjoy the “best of both” breads. A beautiful pairing!