The same holds for traffic cops, who are also people. They pick up on things, and more notably Surrey’s Road Policing Unit (RPU) emphasised the number of illegal licence plates they’ve recovered before attempting to explain 3D and 4D plates to drivers. Although the police have decided not to use any licence plates that aren’t the standard two-dimensional (2D, or flat, plastic) plates, experts know that drivers who desire something a little unusual would still seek such goals. So let’s look at how your licence plate helps you maintain your legal status. If you want to get a 4D number plate for your bike then just browse Motorcycle 4d number plates and then pick the one which suits you best.
What Do 3D Or 4D Licence Plates Mean?
The majority of us are acquainted with 2D plates, which are attached to a sturdy resin top by a printed plasticized backing to resist the delightfully unpredictable British weather. Although they are inexpensive and simple to create, they are incredibly dull. The writing and numbers on three-dimensional and the oddly named “4D” licence plates are raised above the basic plastic surface, making these more intriguing. Of fact, we have already seen a kind of 3D licence plates when old plates were pounded out in metal using a hand-operated tool, giving each letter and number a scalloped look.
3D Vs. 4D
As 3D printing technology has become more widely available, plates with raised numerals and characters are currently becoming increasingly common. Compared to 4D, 3D plates are much more prevalent since the production techniques are more accessible. The letters have a moist look because they are carved from a polyurethane gel. The elevated portion of the plate is much smoother and resembles the bevelled edges of vintage vehicle licence plates nearly exactly. If done correctly, the hand-placed characters will adhere firmly to the remainder of the plate. The look of 4D licence plates is crisper and more distinct. The depth of the raised area gives the lettering and numbers the appearance of building blocks.
It’s since the characters were laser cut from an acrylic sheet. Similarly to how 3D letters have adhered, 4D plates have a very glossy appearance which is reminiscent of gel or shellac nail polish. But let’s not deceive ourselves; 4D is simply 3D reimagined. Since time is the fourth dimension, regrettably even your licence plate cannot provide you with it. Leaving aside my mathematic geekery, 4D licence plates are more costly to produce because fewer vendors provide them. It is necessary to cut out every letter separately, and providers provide a selection of acrylic sheets, including glitter-filled ones. Sparkles ooh.
If 3D And 4D Licence Plates Are Lawful, Why Do The Police Seize Them?
Well, mostly because the legislation is a bit unclear. Contrary to popular assumption, your plate’s British Standard designation does not ensure that it’s compliant with the law. Certain plate makers are stating they are compatible with the British Standards, yet the plates have not been checked.
There are extra rules, namely Regulation 11 of the Road Vehicles (Display of Registration Marks) Regulations 2001, in addition to the British Standard standards. Clauses one and two of Regulation 11 declare,
“1.—(1) No reflex-reflecting substance may be put to any part of a licence plate, and the plate cannot be handled in such a manner that the registration mark’s letters become retro-reflective characters or are made to behave in this manner.
[F13(1A) A registration plate’s surface cannot contain, integrate, or be handled in any way that gives any part of the plate the impression of a style, structure, or texture.]
(2) A registration plate may not have been handled in any other manner that makes the characters more difficult for the eye to read or that prevents or hinders the creation of a genuine photographic picture of the plate using a camera and film or any other technology.
The DVLA has indicated that licence plates with raised plastic, acrylic, or Perspex text (3D/4D plates) are unable to comply with the criteria of either the current or future British Standard. The department has not received any evidence to back up this claim. ‘
So, 3D And 4D Are Forbidden?
Not exactly. For a brief while, some drivers displayed 2D number plates with colouring to give the characters and digits appear 3D to escape the expensive consequences of a professionally made 3D number plate. Because ANPR and speed cameras have trouble reading the plates, new regulations restricting the usage of more than one hue of black on a plate went into effect in September 2021. The position on 3D and 4D plates was defined by the September 2021 modifications as well. The new British Standard for retro-reflective number plates doesn’t specify that raised characters, such as those on 3D gel and 4D number plates, are prohibited, according to the government. Some shady and unauthorised providers have been producing 3D and 4D licence plates which don’t adhere to the strict standards for number plate validity; these risk coming off because the letters are attached less firmly.
Final Words
Whatever style of license number you select, it’s important to maintain your plates clean because something seemingly trivial like possessing dirty number plates could result in a fine of up to £1,000.
