The Ultimate Guide to UK Classic Car Number Plate Rules & Legality

Classic cars are known for their unique black and silver number plates - but who can use them, and when? 

In this guide, we explore vintage number plate laws, as well as how to ensure your classic car plates are legal. 

Are Black And Silver Number Plates Road Legal?

Black and silver number plates in the UK are legal for classic cars - however, there are certain laws in place about when and where they are legal.

Only cars made before 1st January 1980 are eligible to display black and silver vintage number plates. Even if your car is eligible, you must first register your car as a historic car with the DVLA.

If your vehicle meets the DVLA classic car regulations, you will be able to legally display classic plates on the road. 

What Number Plates Are Illegal?

If your classic car was made after 1st January 1980 and you display black and silver plates when driving on public roads, this would be illegal. 

Additionally, if the spacing or font is wrong on your plate, this could be classed as illegal. Having the wrong plates on your car can come with fines of up to £1000 and could cause your vehicle to fail its MOT. 

Here at Chase Lane Plates, we ensure all our classic car plates are road legal, so you have total peace of mind when placing them on your classic car. Simply submit your entitlement document, driving license, and secure them to your car.

Show Plates v Road Legal Plates

Show plates are non-standard plates that are designed for aesthetic purposes. They don’t have to adhere to any DVLA rules as long as they are not used on the road. Show plates also don’t need to be a legal number plate - they can be designed with a name or phrase that isn’t your legal registration. 

Classic car show plates can be used for car shows, trade shows, private events, and on private land without any issues. However, if you plan on driving on public roads, you’ll need to swap them for your legal plates.

How To Choose The Right Classic Car Plates

There are several considerations when choosing the right classic car plates:

Know If Your Car Qualifies

First things first is ensuring your car qualifies as a classic car. If it is over 40 years old and has not been substantially modified, such as having a new engine installed, you can then register it with the DVLA as a historic vehicle. 

When approved, you’ll legally be allowed to use classic plates on the road. Plus, historic vehicles don’t need to pay annual road tax, and don’t require MOTs.

Understand Formatting

Depending on the age of your classic car, its original number plates may be formatted differently. Pre-1963 plates are dateless, and don’t contain any indication of a car's age. 

Cars made from 1963 to 1983 had to include a year identifier at the end of their number plate. For example, a car made in 1963 may have the number plate ABC 123A, with the A signifying it was issued in 1963. The letters I, O, Q, U, and Z were never used to avoid any confusion.

If your car has its original number plate, your number plate will automatically be authentic. However, if it’s changed or you’re looking for a show plate, being aware of the authenticity of your plates is key.

Ensure Legality

To avoid any potential issues, always double check your classic number plates are road legal. To help with this, Chase Lane Plates ask for your driving license and entitlement document to ensure full BS AU 145e compliance, so when you get your plates, you can simply attach them and go. 

Legal Classic Number Plates With Chase Lane Plates

Black and silver number plates are more than just a design choice - they’re a way to enhance your car's authenticity and tell a story. 

Explore our range of classic black and silver number plates here at Chase Lane Plates.