Registration plate modification is a simple yet effective means of adding an understated yet distinct sense of character to your vehicle and Hex plates are slowly rising along with gel plates as being extremely popular.
In this blog we will be answering the question ‘Are Hex plates the hottest trend in vehicle registration plate customisation?’
As an established registration plate maker, we at Bespoke Plates know how to add a unique and distinctive finish to your vehicle registration plate, further stating a level of individuality that can be the finishing touch to a vehicle you have already customised.
Bespoke Plates is a renowned and legally certified registration plate maker and installer, with options of 3D Plates, 4D plates, Show plates, and regular / electric vehicle plates and more. We are the one-stop shop for all things registration plates!
Whether it’s a private plate, gel plate, standard registration plate or plating accessories, we have you covered.
As a certified and experienced team of plate fitters and makers, our plates are installed to the specification of UK law, provided alongside the appropriate paperwork you need. (The only exception to this is show plates.)
What is a Hex plate?
A Hex plate refers to a registration plate which has an elongated hexagonal shape, as opposed to the standard rectangular shape. These can also be known as ‘Lambo plates’ referring to the car manufacturer Lamborghini, who are known for these styles of plates.
Can I get a Hex show plate?
Yes, you are able to order a show plate in the Hex-styled shape if you so choose. Please remember that show plates are not fit for use on a public road and should only be used for display purposes, never on the road.
Is a Hex reg plate legal?
Yes, to clear up any confusion, plate modification, whether that be hex plates, or gel plates (3D & 4D) are 100% LEGAL if you stick to the outlined rules from the DVLA.*
*Please do your due diligence and research, some unverified licence plate providers may not be making their plates to the legal specification, which could become a massive inconvenience for you. Visiting Bespoke Plates is the best way to avoid this trouble.
Alternatively, using the government gateway to find licenced and approved plate makers is the best option for peace of mind and finding a plate maker close to you. Enter your postcode on the government gateway website.
What are the legal requirements for a registration plate?
The legal terms that a registration plate must adhere to are:
- be made from a reflective material – for road safety
- black display characters on a white background (front plate)
- black display characters on a yellow background (rear plate)
- not have a background pattern – so as not to distort the readability of your plate
- be marked to show who supplied the registration plate – to assist with thefts and sourcing queries
- be marked with a British Standard number – this is ‘BS AU 145e’ for plates fitted after 1 September 2021
- The characters must not be removable or reflective. If your registration plates were fitted after 1 September 2021, they must also be a single shade of black.
You can find the full list of legal requirements here.
What makes a Hex plate illegal?
Hex plates, if they do not follow the standards described above can become illegal, which can result in you getting in trouble with the authorities. At Bespoke Plates, we will be sure to tell you if your modification goes beyond the legal threshold.
An illegal Hex plate can look like:
- Not having the white or yellow background
- Having different coloured or incorrectly spaced/shaped characters
- Incorrectly applied/ loose fit.
- Additional characters/symbols that have no relevance to the legality of the plate
Are Hex plates the hottest trend in vehicle registration plate customisation?
Most definitely, Hex plates are fastly becoming popular amongst car customisation enthusiasts and regular motorists alike. Its popularity is not only supplemented by its subtle yet eye-catching design but also due to the fact that it is completely legal.
But that’s not all, did you know Hex plates can also display 3D or 4D characters? Bespoke Plates are a trusted, legally certified and established registration plate vendor. We cater to your plating needs, for those after a replacement, and for those looking for an upgrade on their registration plate.
Are there any downsides to having a Hex plate?
No, there is no downside to a Hex plate, the only time you may face an issue with a Hex plate is if it is attached incorrectly, though this applies to any plate you have installed.
How do I order a Hex plate?
With Bespoke Plates, you can order a gel (3D/4D) plate as well as the Hex plate together if you so choose.
By following these steps you will have the option to see the plate before making a decision.
Visualising how your plate can look in real-time, with the characters from your actual registration plate, saves time and makes it easy for you to know what you want before you get it. Let us walk you through the process of choosing your plate through us.
- Head to the Bespoke Plates website
- Choose your plate style (3D, 4D, Standard)
- Choose your style (legal or show plate)
- Select where this plate will go (front, back or both)
- Select plate size, scroll down & select the Hex/Lambo plate option
- Select optional accessories.
- Enter your registration plate in our visualiser & press ‘preview’
- Choose if you are collecting with installation, or if you want it to be delivered.
Can I install a Hex plate myself?
If you have the equipment and experience necessary to install a registration plate then yes, you can install a Hex plate yourself. For those with no experience, we strongly recommend you seek the services of a professional installer, such as Bespoke Plates.
Do Hex plates pass an MOT?
MOTs have a variety of factors that must meet a particular standard in order to pass, if these standards are met, this means your vehicle is safe for road use and isn’t a hazard to you or other road users/ passengers and pedestrians.
Number plates fall within the parameters of an MOT. Any plate, regardless if it is gel or a Hex plate, will pass an MOT as long as it meets legal specifications and is securely attached to the front and rear bumper respectively.
Can I get a Hex plate for a leased car?
Generally, the requirements of a lease state that you can’t make any modifications to the vehicle without the leaser’s approval, so the answer is most likely no. An exception may be if you rent or lease a vehicle that is already customised with a Hex plate.
Lease vehicles will be used after you, so understandably, the vehicle must be kept to a specific standard.
Order your Hex plate today
In this blog, we have highlighted our Hex plates, and all the information you need in order to add this stylish customisation option to your plate. We aim to have answered the question ‘Are Hex plates the hottest trend in vehicle number plate customisation?’ And we hope that we provided all the right answers and options for all of your plate modification needs.
Bespoke Plates have all the options you can ask for, as an approved licence vendor we can guarantee your modification abides by the DVLA rules whilst offering same-day collections and full fitting service.
To get in touch and discuss the full fitting service we offer with our plates you can talk to one of the members of our team by:
Email info@bespoke-plates.co.uk
Phone 0333 006 7878
Visit in-store
36A Broughton Street,
Manchester,
England,
M8 8NN
