If you’re thinking about adding 4D letters to your number plate, you might be wondering what’s actually legal and what’s just for show. With so many different styles out there, it’s easy to get mixed up.
When it comes to legal options, standard 4D letters are good to go. These are simple, raised black acrylic characters that follow all the regulations. Matte 4D letters are another option if you prefer something less glossy but still fully compliant. Ghost / Shadow 4D letters are also allowed, offering a slightly different look while staying within the rules. You can also mix 3D and 4D to create a 4D gel style, and as long as the size and spacing are correct, these are completely fine for road use. You can find out more about the 3D letters here.
When it comes to colour, the rules are simple; all letters must be black. However, not every design makes the cut. Colourful (Red, Blue etc.), neon, tinted, or reflective 4D letters might look cool, unfortunately these are only designed for off-road or for show. The same goes for 3D-printed style letters that have custom shapes or effects beyond the standard raised acrylic look. These could lead to hefty fines if caught out.
The thickness of your letters also matters. The safest and most widely accepted range is between 3mm and 6mm, with 5mm being a great middle ground. Some 7mm options exist, but they can start to obscure the letters from certain angles, which could be a security risk. Anything thicker might make your plate harder to read, which is something to keep in mind.
Why not check out our Instagram, Facebook and YouTube for updates and to see what we're up to. If you're interested in 4D letters, why not check out our Devil Designer and build yourself a number plate for yourself.
Thanks for reading; stay safe, and try not to give traffic officers too much to look at!