There are very strict rules regarding how DVLA number plates need to be displayed. In 2001 the Road Vehicles, (Display of Registration Marks), Regulations specified how vehicle registration numbers should be displayed on number plates.
These regulations detail the typeface, size colour and British Standard that DVLA number plates must adhere to. Additionally reflex-reflecting materials must be used to display registration numbers on all vehicles registered since 1st January 1973. Vehicles manufactured before 1973 can have the classic number plates style of black number plates and silver lettering.
The colour of the DVLA number plates for vehicles registered after 01/01/73 should be white front number plate and yellow one for the rear number plates. Both number plates need to have black type. For number plates purchased after 1st September 2001 there are additional specifications in relation to the character Height, Width and Stroke. The space between each character should be 11mm and between vertical line like the ones on 4 x 4 rear plates should be 19mm. There are different spacings and character sizes required for number plates on motor cycles and scooters. Suppliers also have to be registered with the DVLA to legally supply DVLA number plates.
