4D and gel-style number plates to be banned?
Tue, 16 Dec 2025
4D and gel-style number plates could soon be banned – but there are concerns the move will increase the circulation of illegal plates.
The draft amendment, now open for public consultation with the British Standards Institution (BSI) involves an amendment to the British Standard for number plates, BS AU 145e.
It would require all outward-facing surfaces to be completely flat, thus formally banning 4D and gel-style registration plates.
But while some would welcome a ban, those in the industry are warning unregulated online sellers could benefit – as they already play a significant role in the supply of illegally cloned, unreadable and untraceable number plates.
"We fully support any measure that improves road safety and reduces number plate fraud, but changes must be guided by real evidence," says Antony Clark of established number plate agent Plates4Less.
"A blanket ban risks pushing customers towards unregulated sellers and online marketplaces, where illegal plates are already a major problem.
"The priority should be enforcing existing rules and tackling rogue traders, not removing legitimate products from compliant businesses."
Indeed, Clark says he is in favour of 4D and gel plates, arguing that when produced using compliant materials and correct processes, they meet the legal standard and do not cause ANPR issues.
"If anything, raised characters make registrations easier to read and remember."
Plates4Less data shows that 4D and gel plate sales have risen sharply and now account for as many as one in four new plate sales. Motorists surveyed said they select these designs for both appearance and enhanced legibility.
No test data has been presented to demonstrate that compliant 4D or gel plates cause ANPR detection problems, says the Swansea firm, with illegal or altered plates remaining the primary source of failure.
More news on the proposal is expected in early 2026.
