For those new to driving, or new to the rules and regulations of number plates, knowing what to do, where to go, and how to manoeuvre after breaking your number plate may be confusing and frustrating.
That’s why we will be answering the question “How to replace broken number plate”
Bespoke Plates is a renowned and legally certified registration platemaker and installer, with options of 3D Plates, 4D Plates, Show Plates, and Standard/ 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 accessories for your plate, 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.)
When should you replace a broken number plate?
You should replace a broken number plate immediately, but what actually constitutes as a broken number plate? Well, any plate that has damage that prevents the characters being read on the plate is a broken plate.
A broken plate can be identified by a clean break through the plate, leaving it in more than one piece. Additionally, severe bending of the plate, or severe superficial damage can also prevent the characters of a number plate to be read, further demonstrating examples of what is considered a broken number plate.
Can I drive with one number plate?
No, all vehicles on public roads must adhere to the ruling of having a number plate at the front and back of the vehicle. If your plate has fallen off, you can place your plate at the front or back window as you make your way to repair it back onto the bumper.
However, if your plate is completely broken, informing the relevant parties such as your insurance, or your lease provider, followed by a platemaker is the best course of action. Do not attempt to drive with one number plate until your replacement plate is due for collection/installation.
Why you shouldn’t drive with a broken number plate
Driving with a broken number plate, or indeed one number plate, is against the rules of the road simply because it prevents your vehicle from being identified in areas where it is required. As well as being a possible hazard.
Other road users, ANPR systems, and the authorities have a right to know the identification of your vehicle in case there are any incidents that involve your vehicle, or if you possibly witnessed something else.
Additionally, and most importantly, our number plates are the defining factor on whether we can drive a vehicle or not. You may have a licence, but if you aren’t insured to the vehicle you’re driving, you legally can not drive it. So number plates act as a confirmation that you are the correct driver for the vehicle.
How to replace broken number plate
Replacing a broken number plate is fairly straightforward, all you need to do is find a licenced number platemaker, choose the plate you require and book in for installation or delivery, depending on the choices they offer.
We can’t speak to the quality, methods, or prices of other competitors, but we understand that our readers may be based all over the UK. Click here to find a platemaker near you if you require an in-person service, and aren’t able to visit Bespoke Plates, which is the tried and trusted option for many car enthusiasts. Let us tell you more about us.
Through Bespoke Plates, you will find the easiest and hassle-free option when it comes to replacing a broken number plate. Whether you’re after an upgrade, or just a standard replacement plate, we have you covered.
Our process is simple and can involve a phone call and conversation, or if you prefer, you can order from us directly, with options for delivery or installation, we cater our services for your needs. Below is our process.
By following these steps, you will also have the option to see the plate before making a decision. Let us walk you through the process of choosing your plate through us.
- Head to the Bespoke Plates website
- Select the plate style you want under the “Build Your Plate” tab. Alternatively, you can follow this link.
- Enter your registration (You can press ‘preview’ to see your registration with all the modification options you have selected.)
- When selecting your chosen plate, you can opt for 3D/4D options, a Hex plate, and whether you want a legal plate or a show plate.
- Select preferred optional accessories.
- Decide if you are collecting with installation, or if you want it to be delivered.
Installing through Bespoke Plates ensures the best service & secure installation for your number plate, along with guidance regarding after care, or address any questions you may have.
Is there another option for number plates?
Yes! Bespoke Plates provides the following options, should you choose to upgrade or replace your current number plate.
- Gel Plates (3D and 4D) – These plates have raised characters that provide a “3D” look that is subtle yet elegant.
- Hex Plates – Hex Plates are uniquely shaped number plates, instead of a standard rectangle, Hex Plates follow an elongated hexagonal shape. It can also be used in conjunction with a Gel Plate.
- Private Plates – We provide legally compliant Private Plates that we have obtained over the years.
Are plate modifications legal?
Yes, our plate modification options excluding Show Plates are entirely legal. Our legal options are 3D, 4D, and Hex Plates. As long as you follow the highlighted rules from the DVLA, you will be legally compliant to drive with the aforementioned modified plates.*
*Please do your due diligence and research, some unverified registration plate providers may not be making their plates to the legal specification, which could become an inconvenience for you. Visiting Bespoke Plates is the best way to avoid this trouble.
Alternatively, using the government gateway to find licenced, and approved platemakers is the best option for peace of mind and finding platemakers close to you. Enter your postcode on the government gateway website.
The legal requirements of number plates
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
- 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.
Replace your number plate today
In this blog, we have highlighted our plate options, and the information you need in order to our stylish customisation option to your vehicle. We aim to have answered the question ‘How to replace broken number plate?’
We hope that we provided all the right answers and options for all of your plate modification needs.
Bespoke Plates has all the options you can ask for, as an approved registration 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,
M8 8NN
