Black Number Plates
What Are Black Number Plates?
Black number plates, like pressed plates, are a timeless style originally used on vehicles long before the modern yellow-and-white design we see today. They feature a black background with a flat font, with the colour coming from the negative space generated by the print.
Our black plates are made using white characters and thin borders, with black backgrounds for classic cars and show plates. People choose black plates because they offer:
- A classic, heritage style that suits older vehicles
- Perfect period accuracy for restorations and retro builds
- A standout display option for show cars, garages, workshops, and exhibitions
Where Are Black Plates Commonly Used?
You’ll most often see black number plates on:
- Historic vehicles legally registered as classic
- Vintage motorcycles
- Show and display cars
- Garages, workshops, offices, and décor setups
If your vehicle doesn’t qualify for road-compliant black plates, you can still enjoy the style by choosing a show plate version for display purposes.
Are Black Number Plates Legal in the UK?
Black and silver (or white) number plates are legal in the UK, but only for specific vehicles. Like pressed plates, the DVLA restricts them to cars and motorcycles that meet the requirements for the historic vehicle tax class.
That means not every classic-looking car can legally use them. Black plates are not compliant for modern vehicles, even if they’re styled to look retro or customised for shows.
If your vehicle isn’t eligible, you can still order black plates for show use, events, or display, but they must not be used on public roads.
Legal Requirements You Need to Know
To use black plates on the road, your vehicle must:
- Be at least 40 years old
- Be registered in the DVLA’s historic tax class
- Have no substantial modifications that affect its historic status
- Use white or silver characters only (no coloured fonts or modern styles)
If you’re unsure whether your car qualifies, it’s always worth double-checking before fitting a set.
What Happens if You Drive with an Illegal Black Plate
You’ll land yourself with a fine, and maybe a few other problems! Here’s what can happen:
- You’ll be fined: Usually £100 on the spot. Police can issue this penalty if your number plate doesn’t meet road compliance laws.
- MOT failure: Black number plates on modern cars are illegal, and will therefore fail and MOT test. They don’t meet modern DVLA visibility regulations.
- Insurance issues: Driving with illegal plates could invalidate your cover.
- Vehicle seizure: While it’s rare, you could find your vehicle seized if you’re running illegal plates. But this is usually only issued on repeat offences.
In short, unless your vehicle was manufactured before 1980 and is registered as a historic vehicle, black number plates must not be used on the road.
