
How To Read Prefix & Suffix Number Plates
How to Read Prefix & Suffix Number Plates Understanding how to read prefix and suffix number plates gives you a
Select options This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page
Select options This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page
Pressed metal number plates have become a favourite among car enthusiasts and those who appreciate both style and substance in their vehicles. Unlike standard acrylic plates, pressed metal plates are crafted from durable aluminium and feature embossed characters that are literally pressed into the metal using a hydraulic press. This process creates raised lettering that not only looks sharp and distinctive but also stands the test of time.
The appeal of a pressed metal plate goes beyond its classic look. These number plates are made from premium materials, ensuring exceptional durability and resistance to the elements, making them suitable for both modern vehicles and classic cars alike. Whether you’re restoring a vintage model or adding a touch of retro flair to your daily driver, pressed metal number plates offer a unique style that stands out on UK roads.
The process of producing these metal plates involves precision and attention to detail. Each character is carefully embossed, resulting in a crisp, tactile finish that simply can’t be matched by flat acrylic alternatives. This not only enhances the visual appeal but also adds to the plate’s longevity, as the durable aluminium construction resists cracking and fading over time.
For those who value both authenticity and durability, pressed metal number plates are the perfect choice. They provide a timeless look that complements the lines of classic cars while remaining fully compliant for use on modern vehicles. With their combination of style, strength, and premium craftsmanship, pressed metal plates continue to be a standout option for anyone looking to elevate their vehicle’s identity.
There’s something undeniably satisfying about the solid clink of a pressed metal number plate. It’s a sound that speaks of craftsmanship, precision, and nostalgia — a subtle throwback to the days when things were built to last. If you’ve ever spotted a classic car gleaming in the sun with raised metal digits proudly catching the light, you’ve already experienced the appeal.
As someone who’s spent years writing about everything from vehicle compliance to number plate design, I’ve seen countless trends come and go. But the resurgence in demand for pressed metal number plates isn’t just a passing phase. It’s a growing movement — driven by car enthusiasts, import lovers, and riders alike — all looking to combine legality with standout style.
At JDM Plates, we don’t just follow that demand — we manufacture for it. With full DVLA registration, an eye for detail, and the ability to produce the smallest legal number plates in the UK, we’re proud to be the name behind the most compliant and customisable metal registration plates on the road.
But before you decide to bolt one onto your pride and joy, let’s take a proper look at what pressed plates actually are — and whether they’re right (and legal) for your vehicle.
Pressed metal number plates — often referred to as aluminium number plates — are exactly what they sound like: metal plates that feature raised characters formed by literally pressing them into the surface using a hydraulic press. These characters are usually coated or painted for contrast, giving the plate a sharp, embossed finish that stands out far more than its acrylic counterpart.
They’ve got a certain old-school charm, don’t they? In fact, I remember the first time I noticed one up close — it was on the back of a Datsun Fairlady tucked away at a car show in Kent. The texture, the light bounce, the finish — it all looked miles apart from standard plastic plates. That’s when I first understood their growing appeal. They’re not just functional; they’re statement pieces for vehicles.
These plates were historically the go-to style for UK vehicles before the widespread adoption of plastic/acrylic designs. Today, they’re often found on:
And while they’ve got that nostalgic edge, modern pressed plates can be bang up to date with today’s regulations. The key lies in how they’re made and the standards they follow — but we’ll get to that shortly.
From a construction point of view, these plates are built from aluminium — a lightweight yet corrosion-resistant metal that doesn’t crack like plastic. When manufactured properly (as we do in-house at JDM Plates), they meet both durability expectations and legal requirements, providing the best of both worlds.
So, whether you’re restoring a ’70s MGB or fitting out your wide-body Supra, pressed metal number plates can give your vehicle that perfect finishing touch — all while keeping you on the right side of the law.
If you’ve spent time in online car forums or browsing social media builds, you’ve probably seen debates about the legality of pressed metal number plates. It’s a fair question — one that comes up time and time again, especially from owners of modern vehicles who want that retro aesthetic without risking a failed MOT or a roadside fine. Approximately 28.38% of vehicles fail their MOT tests initially and these normally relate to lamps, reflectivors and electrical equipment so don’t give MOT testers any additional reasons to fail your MOT; particularly with pressed metal number plates!
The force of current UK regulations means that traditional black and silver pressed metal plate types are now non-compliant or modern vehicles.
Pressed metal plates are legal in the UK but only when they meet very specific criteria. Any company supplying pressed metal number plates must adhere to these standards to ensure their products are legally compliant.
Here’s the bottom line: pressed metal plates are legal in the UK — but only when they meet very specific criteria.
Let’s break that down:-
To be road legal, metal registration plates must comply with British Standard BS AU 145e, which came into full effect from September 2021. This standard governs everything from reflectivity to font, spacing, and plate durability — and yes, it applies to both plastic and metal plates.
Here’s what a road legal pressed metal plate must include:
So if your current metal plates are missing any of the above, they’re not legal for UK road use — simple as that.
Now, if you’re restoring a classic vehicle, you might be in luck.
Pressed plates with a black background and silver embossed characters are legal, but only for vehicles first registered before 1 January 1980 (previously 1973, but extended under classic vehicle tax exemption rules). These are often fitted to vintage British cars and early imports.
Modern vehicles, however, must use the white/yellow reflective style plates to remain legal — regardless of whether they’re made of plastic or aluminium.
It’s tempting to grab a cheap pair of plates online, especially when they look great in a photo. But if they’re not from a DVLA-registered supplier like JDM Plates, you’re taking a real gamble.
Fitting illegal number plates could result in:
At JDM Plates, every plate we produce — including our pressed metal options — is made to BS AU 145e standards and carries the required markings. That means our plates not only look the part but are fully compliant for UK road use.
There’s something reassuring about buying from a business that actually understands the rules. Not just the design trends or the styling preferences of car culture, but the actual DVLA regulations, British Standards, and what makes a plate road legal in the UK. That’s exactly what sets JDM Plates apart.
Unlike sellers who import mass-produced plates or outsource manufacturing to third-party printers, every pressed metal plate we offer is built in-house, here in the UK. That means we oversee every single detail — from the type of aluminium used to the depth of the embossing and the durability of the finish.
You could compare it to having a tailored suit versus buying one off the peg. Sure, both might look alright from a distance, but when you inspect the details — the fit, the stitching, the finish — only one truly stands out. That’s the kind of pride we take in the plates we produce.
We’re a DVLA-registered number plate supplier, and proud of it. That might sound like a formality, but it’s what legally allows us to manufacture and supply road legal pressed metal number plates in the UK. You can find us listed right on the GOV.UK DVLA supplier registry.
What does this mean for you?
No grey areas. No knock-offs. No hidden surprises.
Pressed plates are all about the look — we get that. Whether it’s going on a slammed EP3 Civic, a resto-mod Escort, or a custom-built café racer, the visual appeal matters.
That’s why we offer:
It’s not just about being legal — it’s about getting the right plate for your car. We specialise in the smallest legal number plates in the UK, perfect for vehicles with limited mounting space or those looking for a sleeker, cleaner rear-end.
One of the most common bits of feedback we get — and we’re proud of this — is just how easy we make the process. You don’t need to scroll through dozens of outdated forms or guess whether you’ve picked the legal option.
At JDM Plates:
We’ve helped thousands of UK motorists switch from generic to standout plates, all while keeping things 100% legal. That’s why so many customers come back to us when it’s time for their next project.
If there’s one thing we’ve learnt from helping thousands of UK drivers personalise their vehicles, it’s this: there’s no such thing as one-size-fits-all when it comes to number plates. What fits a 4×4 Defender is never going to sit right on the bumper of a Nissan Silvia, and motorcycles? They’re in a class of their own. We do offer a range of shaped number plates but only in the normal acrylic material including the 4D number plate text style finishing. Unfortunately, pressed metal number plates only come in very few basic sizes.
That’s exactly why we offer a full range of custom plate sizes, styles, and fitment options — all road legal, all BS AU 145e compliant, and all manufactured to the same high standard you expect from JDM Plates. The current British Standard for number plates is BS AU 145e, which became mandatory on 1st September 2021. All number plates manufactured, sold, or fitted from that date must comply with this standard and thats exactly what our pressed metal number plates conform to!
Whether you need something traditional or something tailored, we’ve got you covered.
Here’s what we offer:
We take pride in offering the smallest legal number plates in the UK, particularly for cars with fewer digits. That attention to proportion not only looks better but can often solve the problem of awkward fitment on modified or imported bumpers.
Pressed metal plates are more rigid than acrylic, which means proper mounting is essential for both safety and aesthetics.
At JDM Plates, we supply:
We know a plate is more than just a legal formality — it’s part of your build’s identity. That’s why we allow a wide range of customisation options, while still maintaining full legality.
Options include:
And if you’re unsure what’s permitted or which design matches your car’s age and registration type — our team is on hand to guide you through every step.
Show plates offer a fantastic way to personalise your vehicle and make a statement at car meets, exhibitions, or even in your own garage. While these plates can be customised with unique designs, colours, or fonts, it’s important to note that show plates are not legal for use on UK roads. They’re intended purely for display purposes and should never be used as a substitute for official number plates when driving.
Pressed metal plates, on the other hand, are designed to meet all the requirements for legal number plates in the UK, provided they comply with current regulations. If you want your vehicle to stand out while remaining road legal, a pressed metal plate is the ideal solution. These metal plates combine the visual impact of raised, embossed characters with the durability of premium materials, making them suitable for everyday use as well as special occasions.
When it comes to mounting your plates, both show plates and pressed metal plates can be easily attached using sticky pads, which are supplied with your order. These pads ensure that your plate is securely stuck to the vehicle’s surface, providing a clean and seamless look without the need for drilling. Just make sure the plate is firmly fixed before hitting the road to avoid any issues.
For those who enjoy displaying their car at shows or want to switch between different plate types, it’s possible to use show plates for events and pressed metal plates for daily driving. This way, you can showcase your vehicle’s personality, or even your vehicle’s name, while always staying compliant with UK road regulations by switching back to the road compliant number plates. By choosing the right plate type and display option, you can enhance your car’s appearance and make a lasting impression whether you’re on the road or on display.
Ordering a number plate shouldn’t feel like applying for a mortgage. Sadly, some websites make it harder than it needs to be — confusing layouts, unclear requirements, and more legal jargon than help. At JDM Plates, we’ve taken a different approach: make it easy, make it legal, make it look great.
Whether you’re replacing worn-out acrylic plates or customising a project car, we’ve made sure our pressed metal number plate ordering process is as smooth as possible — all while keeping you fully compliant with DVLA regulations.
Start by visiting our Number Plate Generator. It’s a simple, visual tool where you can:
This is where you can see how your registration mark will appear in raised metal lettering before committing — a feature customers tell us they love.
Pressed metal or not, every legal number plate supplier in the UK is required by law to see two documents before creating your plates:
We’ve made uploading these quick and secure, with clear guidance on what’s accepted. And don’t worry — we don’t store or reuse your data. It’s a one-time verification to keep things above board.
Once you’re happy with your design and you’ve uploaded your documents, just head to checkout. Here’s what makes us different:
Fast, secure, and simple — just how it should be.
Once your order is in, we get to work. Every pressed plate is:
No third-party vendors. No delays. No risk of getting plates that won’t pass an MOT.
And if you ever have a question along the way, our support team is always on hand — ready to help, not just sell.
Pressed metal number plates might look similar across different sellers, but scratch beneath the surface — quite literally — and the differences start to show. There’s a growing number of online sellers offering cheap, non-compliant plates that might look slick in photos but won’t pass an MOT or DVLA inspection. That’s where many motorists go wrong.
While pressed metal number plates may be legal or standard in some parts of the world, UK regulations are much stricter, and it’s essential to ensure your plates comply with local requirements.
If you’re shopping for metal registration plates for the first time, or even upgrading from old acrylic ones, there are a few things worth knowing before you buy — especially if you want to avoid wasting money or getting fined.
This is one of the most common misconceptions. Just because a plate is made of metal and has raised lettering doesn’t mean it’s automatically legal.
Here are the most common signs of a non-road-legal pressed plate:
Some sellers even market illegal styles as “show plates,” hoping customers don’t realise the risk. But using these on public roads can lead to:
At JDM Plates, we require proof of identity and entitlement not because we want to make things difficult — but because it’s the law.
If a supplier doesn’t ask for these, they’re either:
By ordering from a compliant supplier, you’re ensuring your vehicle remains fully legal, and you’re doing your bit to help reduce number plate cloning and vehicle-related fraud.
Buy Once, Buy Right
It’s tempting to save a few pounds on cheap, imported plates. But ask yourself — is it worth the risk?
You wouldn’t fit knock-off brake pads or a fake MOT — and your number plates are no different. They’re the first thing people see on your car and one of the first things police check on the road.
With JDM Plates:
Our plates are built to last and guaranteed to pass every road test — from daily driving to your next MOT inspection.
By ordering from a compliant supplier, you’re ensuring your vehicle remains fully legal, and you’re doing your bit to help reduce number plate cloning and vehicle-related fraud.
We get a lot of questions about pressed metal number plates, especially from customers who want something that stands out — but still passes an MOT. Below are the most common questions we receive, answered clearly and simply.
Yes, but only when they meet the legal requirements set out in BS AU 145e. This includes correct font, spacing, reflective background (for modern vehicles), and the presence of the supplier’s name, postcode, and a BS marking. JDM Plates ensures every plate we manufacture complies fully with these standards.
Only if your vehicle was first registered before 1 January 1980. Black and silver plates are reserved for classic vehicles under the Historic Vehicle taxation class. If your car is newer, you’ll need to use white (front) and yellow (rear) reflective backgrounds.
To order any legal number plate in the UK — including pressed metal plates — you’ll need to upload:
JDM Plates has a secure and easy upload process during checkout.
Yes. We specialise in short pressed metal number plates, designed to perfectly fit shorter registrations and imported vehicles. Our short plates are BS AU 145e compliant and fully road legal when sized correctly for the reg mark.
Absolutely. We offer motorcycle-sized pressed metal number plates that meet legal sizing and spacing requirements for bikes and mopeds. Ideal for standard, custom, or imported bikes.
How to Read Prefix & Suffix Number Plates Understanding how to read prefix and suffix number plates gives you a
What Are Show Plates and Why Do People Use Them? If you’re passionate about modifying your car’s look, chances are
Are Green Number Plates A Legal Requirement? What You Need to Know About Green Number Plates in the UK As
Information & Quick Links
Legal Stuff
Call Us Today
DVLA is a registered trademark of the Driver & Vehicle Licensing Agency. JDM Plates is not affiliated to the DVLA or DVLA Personalised Registrations. JDM Plates is a recognised reseller of DVLA registrations. JDM Plates is also registered with the DVLA to supply physical number plates, i.e. the actual acrylic plate.
JDM Plates is a trading style of CJ – Hanley Trading Limited, registered at JDM Plates, Charles Street, Great Yarmouth, NR30 3LA and registered in England & Wales at Companies House under Company Number 11309345 and with the Information Commissioner’s Office for Data Protection under Registration Number ZB822794. CJ – Hanley Trading Limited is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority: Firm Reference Number: 1020385. We are a credit broker and not a lender and provide products from a panel of lenders. CJ – Hanley Trading Limited will not charge a fee to customers using its services and will not receive a commission payment from a lender for a referral. Finance is subject to status and terms and conditions apply.
© CJ-Hanley Trading LTD t/a JDM Plates | JDM Plates, Charles Street, Great Yarmouth, NR30 3LA | DVLA RNPS No: 57790 | Company No: 11309345 | HTML Sitemap
Enter your email below and get an exclusive 15% discount sent straight to your inbox off physical plates or 50% off our Fast-Track managed transfer service when buying a private registration!
ex. discounted items
By signing up you agree to be added to our mailing list. Don’t worry you can unsubscribe at any time. You can view our privacy policy here.
Enter your email below and get an exclusive 15% discount sent straight to your inbox off physical plates or 50% off our Fast-Track managed transfer service when buying a private registration!
ex. discounted items
By signing up you agree to be added to our mailing list. Don’t worry you can unsubscribe at any time. You can view our privacy policy here.
Get 15% off your first order when you sign up!
ex. discounted items
Explore our range of custom 4D, Gel, Hex, Smaller, and shaped plates – all 100% road legal for UK roads*
Why Choose Us?
*Subject to size and registration.
Sign up now and receive your 15% discount code instantly!
By signing up you agree to be added to our mailing list. Don’t worry you can unsubscribe at any time. You can view our privacy policy here.