The British Standard

The British Standard sets out the physical characteristics of the number plate. This includes visibility, strength and reflectivity. The British Standard also requires each number plate to be permanently and legibly marked with the following information:

• The British Standard number (currently BS AU 145d).
• The name, trademark or other means of identification of the number plate supplier.
• Name and postcode of the supplying outlet.
• A non-reflective border and national flags with the national identification letters being optional additions.
• There shall be no other markings or material contained on the number plate.

The mandatory character font

All number plates made on or after 1st September 2001 must display the mandatory character font. Number plates fitted before 1st September 2001 need not be changed provided the character font used is very similar to the one shown below. An example of the typeface is shown here;