Are 5D Plates Road Legal?

It’s a question that comes up a lot, and the short answer is yes, when made to the correct standards.

Our 5D number plates are built to meet BS AU 145e standards, meaning they tick all the boxes for:

• The correct Charles Wright font
• Legal spacing and sizing
• Fully reflective backgrounds for clear visibility
• Securely bonded letters that stay in place

Every road-compliant 5D plate we make is produced in our workshop and meets UK road standards. You can drive confidently knowing your plate looks great and stays compliant.

Can You Make 5D Show Plates?

If you want full creative control, our 5D show plates let you design your plate exactly how you like it. Go bold with different borders, badges, or a personalised slogan – it’s your call.

For road-legal versions, you can still add a coloured border (in varying thicknesses) or choose from permitted badges while keeping your plate fully compliant. If it’s for a show plate, then you’ve got total freedom to use any badge or design you want.

These plates are perfect for:

• Car shows and events
• Home or garage displays
• Photography or business promotions

They’re not legal for everyday road use, but they’re spot-on for display and promotional purposes.

Are 5D Plates Worth it?

This again, really depends on your personal preferences. 5D plates are simply a variation and blend of 3D and 4D plates. Whether they are ‘worth it’, is purely subjective. That said, 5D plates look great on newer, modern cars as well as show plates to hang up in offices, garages, homes and more. 

Plus, 3D and 4D plates have been a mainstay in the industry for a while now. So, if you really want to stand out, 5D is the way to go. It’ll definitely turn a few heads whether they’re on your car or hung up in your home or office!

A Premium Finish 

5D plates take everything people love about 4D designs and give it even more impact. The layered, glossy finish creates bold depth and shadows, giving your registration that luxury look you can’t miss. They suit any car, but they really shine on modern or modified vehicles.

Built for Everyday Use

Our 5D plates don’t just look good, they’re made to last. Each one is crafted from durable, weatherproof acrylic and finished by hand to make sure it stays looking sharp for years to come.

They’re:

• Resistant to rain, snow, and sunlight
• Securely bonded to prevent lifting or damage
• Perfect for enthusiasts and events
• Overlaid over a printed registration for continued compliance no matter the circumstances

The biggest benefit here is that you won’t need to worry about upkeep. A simple wash with a microfibre cloth and some wipes should do the trick.  

Choose Road-Legal or Custom Show Plates

At Great Plates, you decide how far you want to go with your design. Pick a fully road-legal version for daily driving, or a show plate with your own fonts, colours, and layout.