What's The Difference Between Number Plate Fonts?

All number plates in the UK use the ‘Charles Wright’ font, (the font was named after the designer). You’ll find that all number plates in the UK are monospaced and that each character is separated by a gap of 11mm. Additionally, there must be an 11mm margin that goes around the edge of the number plate. All characters of the number plate need to be 79mm tall and 50mm wide. Number plates that do not adhere to all of these rules are not considered to be legal UK number plates.

There are a few different types of number plates, including standard front, 3D gel font, and 4D plates. But what are the differences between these number plate fonts?

What are standard font number plates?

Standard font number plates use the Charles Wright font, (like all number plates). These standard plates are created using flat acrylic letters.

Standard number plates are different from 3D and 4D number plates because both 3D and 4D types are made with raised lettering and numbers. Also, both 3D and 4D number plates have more depth and are considered more high-end and attractive. Standard font number plates are the least expensive option.

What are 3D Gel font number plates?

3D gel plates are made out of a type of polyurethane gel, it’s this gel resin that creates the raised characters. Sheet cut characters are covered with the gel to create these attractive number plates. Sometimes these number plates are referred to as 3D gel resin number plates. 3D gel plates are characterised by a rounded shape and a ‘wet-look’ effect. During the production process, each character is placed and positioned by hand. Once the characters are covered with gel resin the numbers and letters are put into the oven. A low-heat is used which takes the bubbles out of the resin. Once the characters have solidified the adhesive can be taken off, next the characters are positioned onto the plate structure. 3D gel plates are considered to give the vehicle a more personalised and sleek look.

What are 4D font number plates?

4D font number plates are made out of acrylic, the characters are laser cut using acrylic sheets. These number plates are raised like 3D plates, yet the characters are more rectangular in shape, and thicker. These number plates have a ‘deeper look’ compared to 3D plates, they also lack the ‘wet effect’. Like 3D gel plates, these characters are positioned by hand.

One of the key differences between 3D and 4D plates is that 4D plates are more expensive to make and purchase. As mentioned previously, 4D plates are laser cut, whereas 3D plates are sheet cut. If you’d like a stylish look for your vehicle, 4D number plates are the way to go.

Currently, all three number plates are considered legal UK number plate fonts. If you need help choosing the right number plates, Quick Plates can help. We stock a variety of different number plates including standard font number plates, 3D gel plates, and 4D number plates. Our team can offer advice on the right plates, depending on your budget and your needs.