Metal Number Plates
Metal Number Plates vs Metal Show Plates
Table of Contents
Introduction – Metal Number Plates v Metal Show Plates
We often get asked what the difference is between metal number plates and metal show plates or if they can be used on vehicles. In this article we will try to answer some of the most common questions.
What are show plates?
In the simplest terms, show plates are signs. They come in various shapes, sizes and styles. They can be customised to suit your individual design, they can contain any text, name or phrase you want but unlike number plates, they cannot be used to display a registration mark on a vehicle using a public road.
Why are they called show plates?
They are commonly called show plates because they are widely used on vehicles at car shows and other off-road events, hence the name. They cannot be used on vehicles on public roads in United Kingdom because they do not comply with the standard UK number plate format but they can be used off-road on private property, used as signs or decorative pieces. For example, a car dealer may use them to display the car model of a new car on display at a car event or some people use them on vehicles that get transported by trailer to a show.
What can I have on a show plate?
As mentioned above, you can have any text, name, word or phrase on show plates. You can also have that text spaced any way you want. Obviously there are only a certain number of characters that will fit on a show plate but otherwise choose what you want. Our show plates have a choice of fonts, colours, designs and sizes. For example, lots of people buy them with theirs kids names on to use on toy cars or with their own name to use on golf buggies.
Can I use a show plate to display a registration mark?
The short answer is no. The law in UK specifies exactly the format and style of road legal number plates and as show plates differ in design, they cannot be used on the road. Although our show plates are made to the same high standards as our metal number plates, they are not intended for road use. This may differ in other countries.
Can I use a show plate on a trailer?
Show plates can be used on trailers to display a fleet number or other marker. They cannot be used on a road in UK to display a registration mark. For example, a quarry might use a show plate to identify vehicles that are used only on-site and that never drive on public roads.
What if I use a show plate instead of a number plate in UK?
How you use a show plate is entirely up to you. We do not sell show plates for the purpose of displaying vehicle registration marks. If you are found to be using a non-compliant number plate on a UK road you may face prosecution, have your vehicle ceased or other reprimands. Your vehicle may also fail an MOT test. Show plates are not number plates.
What if I need a number plate?
We can supply you with a road legal metal number plate. All plates in our number plates section comply with current laws and standards.
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