What Are Show Plates and Why Do People Use Them?
If you’re passionate about modifying your car’s look, chances are you’ve come across the term show plates. But what exactly are show plates, and how do they differ from road legal number plates? Car plates can generally be divided into legal registration plates and show plates, with key differences in their purposes, regulations, design features, and legal requirements.
This guide gives you a clear understanding of show plates: what they are, where they can be used, and why more car owners are turning to custom designs to complete their build. Show plates appeal to car enthusiasts who value personal expression and want to showcase their unique style. As a form of personal expression, show plates allow for unique style and creative freedom, especially at car shows and exhibitions.
What Are Show Plates?
Show plates are custom-made number plates designed specifically for off-road use. Unlike legal number plates, which must follow strict DVLA rules, show plates allow full design freedom. You can personalise every detail from fonts and spacing to logos, backgrounds, and slogans.
At JDM Plates, we specialise in creating display-only plates that let you showcase your car exactly how you want.
Common places you’ll see show plates include:
- Cars displayed at car show exhibitions
- Race cars or track-day vehicles
- Private garages or home displays
- Photoshoots and promotional events
- Custom gifts and novelty displays
While show plates offer creative freedom and are popular for their aesthetic appeal, there are important legal considerations and strict guidelines that apply to car plates used on public roads.
Because they are not used on public roads, show plates are not required to follow the DVLA’s BSAU145e standards or DVLA guidelines, which set the requirements for legal number plates.
Understanding Number Plates
Number plates are a vital part of every vehicle’s identity, serving as the official means of registration and identification on UK roads. For vehicle owners, it’s important to understand that there are two main categories: road legal plates and show plates. Road legal plates are designed for use on public roads and must adhere to strict regulations, including specific requirements for font size, character spacing, and overall design as set by the DVLA. These legal plates ensure that vehicles can be easily identified by law enforcement and meet all legal standards for road use.
In contrast, show plates are intended solely for display purposes, such as at car shows or private exhibitions. They do not need to comply with the same strict regulations or legal requirements as road legal plates. Knowing the difference between these types of plates helps vehicle owners make informed decisions and avoid legal issues when displaying or driving their vehicles.
Types of Plates
When it comes to number plates, vehicle owners have several options to choose from, each offering different features and levels of customisation. Standard plates are the most widely used and are required for all vehicles operating on public roads, meeting all legal requirements for road use. For those seeking a more distinctive look, 3D plates and 4D plates offer raised characters and unique designs that add a premium touch to any vehicle, while still needing to comply with legal standards if used on the road.
Motorcycle enthusiasts can also opt for motorcycle show plates, which provide a customised appearance tailored specifically for bikes. However, it’s essential to remember that while these plates offer enhanced style, only standard plates that meet legal requirements are permitted for use on public roads. Always consider the intended use of your plate and ensure it aligns with the necessary legal guidelines.
Motorcycle Show Plates
Motorcycle show plates have become increasingly popular among motorcycle enthusiasts who want to showcase their bikes with a personalised touch. These plates allow for creative freedom, featuring unique fonts, vibrant colours, and custom graphics that reflect the owner’s personal style. Motorcycle show plates are perfect for display purposes at events, exhibitions, or within private collections, letting riders express their individuality without the constraints of standard road legal number plates.
However, it’s crucial to note that motorcycle show plates are not legal for use on public roads. For everyday riding, motorcycles must be fitted with road-legal number plates that comply with all DVLA regulations, including specific guidelines for font, size, and character spacing. Using a show plate on the road can result in legal consequences, so always ensure your bike displays the correct legal number plate when in use.
Common Myths About Show Plates
One of the biggest misconceptions is that if a plate looks similar to a legal one, it must be acceptable on the road. This is not true.
Even minor changes can make a plate non-compliant. If a plate does not meet UK DVLA standards, even something as small as incorrect spacing or a missing supplier ID, it becomes a show plate and cannot be legally displayed on public roads. Number plates must comply with British standards, including the British Standard (BS AU 145e), to be legal for road use. Using show plates on the road is illegal and can result in the plate being classified as an illegal number plate, which may lead to fines or legal trouble.
This includes:
- Custom spacing to mimic names or words
- Use of stylised or italic fonts
- No postcode or supplier details
- Tinted acrylic or coloured gel characters
- Not displaying the correct registration number on the plate
To avoid confusion, we clearly label all JDM Plates products intended for off-road use only.
Are Show Plates Legal for the Road?
No. Show plates are not legal for use on UK roads. Only road legal plates and standard number plates that meet all requirements can be used on public roads. Any plate fitted to a road-going vehicle must follow strict DVLA rules. This includes:
- Charles Wright 2001 font
- Approved reflective backing
- Standardised character size and spacing
- Display of supplier name and postcode
- Inclusion of the BS AU 145e mark
- Legal car number plates must have a white background at the front, black characters, and use specific fonts and font styles as set by DVLA guidelines.
Legal car number plates should be purchased from a registered number plate supplier to ensure compliance.
Driving with show plates on the road can result in fines, MOT failure, and even ANPR flagging. Law enforcement agencies are responsible for checking compliance with these requirements.
What’s the Difference Between Show Plates and Legal Plates?
Show plates do not meet the same level of regulatory compliance as legal number plates. The table below highlights the key differences between road legal plates and show plates.
| Feature | Road Legal Plates | Show Plates (Off-Road Use) |
| Font | Charles Wright 2001 only | Any font, including stylised or italic |
| Spacing | Strictly regulated | Fully customisable |
| Material | Reflective, BS AU 145e compliant | No legal requirement |
| Logos/Graphics | Only GB symbols or national flags permitted | Unlimited custom graphics and text |
| Legal for the Road | Yes | No |
Want a legal plate for daily use? Read our guide to legal number plates.
Can You Be Fined for Using a Show Plate on the Road?
Yes. Fitting a show plate to your road vehicle can lead to:
- A fine of up to £1,000
- A failed MOT
- Vehicle registration issues via ANPR
- Potential police stop or enforcement
MOT testers and police officers are trained to identify plates that don’t meet DVLA standards. At JDM Plates, we always advise using legal plates for driving and reserving show plates strictly for off-road use.
Why Do People Choose Show Plates?
Show plates are a popular choice for enthusiasts who want their vehicle to stand out when road rules don’t apply. Show number plates allow for personalised designs that can be tailored for a car show or exhibition, giving owners the freedom to express their style and creativity. Some of the most common use cases include:
- Car Shows: Match your plate to your vehicle’s colour scheme or theme
- Photoshoots: Ideal for social media, print work, or promotional use
- Track Days: Add custom names, race teams, or stylised slogans
- Garage Displays: Many collectors hang show plates as part of their home or workshop
- Gifts: A great personalised option for birthdays, Father’s Day, or special occasions
With JDM Plates, your show plate is built for visual impact without compromise.
Can I Buy Show Plates Without Documentation?
Yes. Because they are not legal for road use, you do not need to provide a V5C or driving licence when buying a show plate. Design freely online without any paperwork.
Our custom builder lets you preview your design in real time. We also include a clear disclaimer during checkout so you always know your plate’s intended use.
See our FAQs if you have questions about ordering.
Are Show Plates Worth It?
If you want complete styling freedom, show plates are absolutely worth it. Legal plates serve a functional purpose. Show plates let you personalise your vehicle and present it exactly how you want, whether that’s in front of a crowd, on camera, or in your garage.
Just remember to swap back to your legal plates before hitting the road.
Ready to Design Your Own Show Plate?
Understanding show plates means understanding where creativity meets compliance. They are a customisable way to showcase your vehicle’s style as long as they are used off the road.
At JDM Plates, we build every plate with care using premium materials, laser-cut finishes, and your unique design. Start your custom build now today.
