Pressed UK Plates: What You Need To Know

Pressed metal number plates have long been a favourite style amongst the UK car community. Crafted from durable metal and available in a wide array of styles, pressed metal plates are a stylish and durable option that combines traditional craftsmanship with modern standards. 

At Chase Lane Plates, we specialise in providing a wide range of number plate styles to suit every taste, vehicle, and occasion. If you’re curious about pressed metal number plates and whether they’re the right fit for you or as a gift, this comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know.

What Are Pressed Metal Number Plates?

Pressed plates, also known as pressed metal plates or pressed aluminium number plates, are created using a pressing technique that embosses the characters directly into the plate surface. This gives them their distinctive raised lettering, producing a three-dimensional finish that looks and feels premium. 

Unlike standard acrylic plates, which are flat and printed, pressed plates stand out with their tactile design, offering drivers a stylish alternative that’s also built to last. Drivers often choose pressed plates because they provide a strong combination of style, durability, and authenticity. 

They are highly popular with owners of classic vehicles, but their appeal has spread to modern vehicles as well. Thanks to improvements in premium materials and the production process, today’s pressed plates can meet all the requirements to be fully road legal, while still retaining that unique charm.

The Different Styles of Pressed Metal Plates

Pressed plates are available in a variety of styles, each suited to different vehicles and preferences. 

• Black and Silver Pressed Plates: With silver characters embossed on a sleek black background, black and silver plates are iconic for vintage and classic cars. Under DVLA regulations, they can only be legally fitted to vehicles registered before 1 January 1980, ensuring classic vehicles maintain their period-correct styling.
• Reflective Pressed Plates: Designed for modern cars, these feature a white background at the front and a yellow background at the rear. The embossed characters comply with BS AU standards, making them fully legal for use on UK roads and a refreshing alternative to flat acrylic designs.
• Show Plates: Offering creativity and flexibility, show plates allow for unique fonts, colours, borders, or even badges. They are perfect for exhibitions, shows, or personal display but are not road legal. Many enthusiasts purchase both legal pressed plates and matching show plates to enjoy the best of both worlds.
• Short Plates: Cut to a smaller size to suit certain modern or performance vehicles, short plates provide a neater, sportier appearance. They are especially popular among drivers seeking a clean, minimalistic finish.

Legal Considerations for Pressed Plates

When choosing pressed plates, it is essential to consider the legal requirements. In the UK, all number plates intended for road use must comply with DVLA regulations. These rules cover aspects such as the font and size of the characters, the spacing between them, and the use of reflective materials. Plates must also display the supplier’s details and include the official BS AU marking to prove that they meet current standards.

For modern vehicles, road-legal pressed plates must have a white reflective background at the front and a yellow reflective background at the rear. The use of black and silver pressed plates is restricted exclusively to older vehicles registered before 1980. If pressed plates do not meet these requirements, they are not legal for road use and could result in penalties such as fines, MOT failures, or even points on your licence.

Show plates provide greater flexibility in terms of design, but it is important to remember they cannot be used on public roads. These are for display purposes only and should never be fitted as a substitute for legal plates.

Here at Chase Lane Plates, our road-legal pressed number plates are fully BS AU 145e compliant, ready to be used on the roads the second they’re delivered to you. 

Why Drivers Choose Pressed Metal Number Plates

There are many reasons why drivers opt for pressed metal plates instead of the more common acrylic versions. One of the key advantages is durability. Pressed plates are made from aluminium, which is significantly more robust than acrylic and resistant to cracking, fading, or breaking. This makes them particularly well-suited to drivers who want something that will last the test of time.

The embossed characters add a layer of depth and style that cannot be matched by flat plates. This raised lettering gives a premium finish, which makes vehicles stand out from the crowd. For owners of classic cars, pressed plates provide an authentic touch that complements the vehicle’s design and history. For modern vehicles, they bring an element of distinction and individuality that reflects the driver’s personality.

In addition to style, pressed plates also offer practical benefits. Their exceptional durability means they are less likely to warp or degrade over time, ensuring that your vehicle maintains a sharp appearance for years to come. Many drivers see them not only as an upgrade in aesthetics but also as a practical investment in quality.

Pressed Plates vs Standard Acrylic Plates

The most common number plates on UK roads are standard acrylic plates. These are affordable, widely available, and, when made correctly, meet all DVLA regulations. However, acrylic plates have limitations. They can become scratched, fade under prolonged exposure to sunlight, or crack if struck.

In comparison, pressed aluminium plates offer greater strength and resilience. They are less prone to damage and maintain their finish far longer. While both types can be fully compliant with UK law, pressed plates have the edge in terms of durability and appearance. Many drivers who want their vehicle to stand out or reflect a certain character lean towards pressed plates precisely because of their premium materials and unique designs.

Pressed UK Plates: Road Legal Standards

To be recognised as fully road legal, pressed plates must meet very specific requirements. The font, size, and shape of the characters must follow the approved guidelines, and the spacing between letters and numbers must be precise. Each plate must include the supplier’s identity and carry the BS AU mark, confirming compliance with UK law. Reflective materials must be used for both the white background at the front and the yellow background at the rear. Any deviation from these standards could make the plates illegal.

This strict set of regulations is designed to ensure that number plates remain clear, legible, and easy to identify for law enforcement and automatic recognition systems. At Chase Lane Plates, we make certain that every plate produced for road use is tested and certified as compliant, so you can drive with confidence.

Fitting and Display

Installing pressed plates is straightforward and can be done using either sticky pads or screws. Sticky pads provide a clean, seamless finish, while screws give added security and reassurance. 

Regardless of the method, it is important to align the plates correctly and ensure they are fixed securely. Poorly fitted plates can spoil the appearance of a car and may even fall off while driving, which could cause damage or lead to legal issues.

For show plates, fitting is often temporary, as they are used primarily for display purposes. Many enthusiasts take pride in switching between their road-legal plates and show plates depending on the event, allowing them to enjoy both compliance and creativity.

Pressed Metal Plates from Chase Lane Plates

When you choose Chase Lane Plates, you are choosing a supplier with expertise, professionalism, and a commitment to quality. Every pressed plate we produce is crafted using premium materials and modern techniques to ensure exceptional durability. Our plates are supplied with the correct documentation, including proof of compliance, and we guarantee that they are fully legal for road use when manufactured to UK standards.

We also offer show plates for customers who want something decorative, as well as short plates and other specialist designs. With a wide range kept in stock, we are able to deliver quickly and efficiently, ensuring that you receive your plates without unnecessary delays. Whether you are enhancing a classic vehicle, customising a modern car, or searching for a unique gift, we have the expertise to provide the perfect solution.