Motorbike Number Plate FAQs
Are motorbike number plates a different size to car plates?
Yes. Motorbike number plates use different UK sizing compared with standard car plates. Motorbikes typically require a smaller rear plate only, which must still meet DVLA layout, spacing, and margin requirements.
Are motorbike number plates road legal?
Yes. Our motorbike number plates are manufactured in line with DVLA regulations and BS AU 145e standards, provided they are ordered with compliant font, spacing, and sizing.
Do motorbikes need a front number plate?
No. In the UK, motorbikes are only required to display a rear number plate. A front plate is not required.
Can I order a single motorbike number plate?
Yes. As motorbikes only require a rear plate, we offer single motorbike number plates as standard.
Can motorbike number plates be 3D or 4D?
Yes. 3D gel and 4D motorbike plates are available, provided the finished plate remains DVLA compliant and is manufactured to BS AU 145e standards.
Do you do smaller sizes?
Yes. We offer a wide range of smaller motorbike plate sizes as show plates.
In the UK, 9×7 inch is the standard size required for road-legal motorbike number plates. If you wish to design a smaller plate, you can switch to show plates, which are intended for off-road and display use only.
Will custom spacing make a motorbike plate illegal?
Yes. Altered spacing or layout that does not meet DVLA rules may make a motorbike plate non-compliant for road use. Always select compliant spacing if the plate is intended for use on public roads.
Are motorbike number plates checked during MOTs?
Yes. During an MOT, number plates are checked for legibility, condition, spacing, and compliance. Non-compliant plates may result in an MOT failure.
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Road Legal Motorcycle Number Plates
Our motorcycle number plates are manufactured to DVLA specifications using durable premium acrylic designed for the unique demands of motorcycle use. Available in standard 9×7 inch road legal size, built to withstand all weather conditions.
Motorcycle Number Plates UK - Road Legal Bike Plates
Premium Plates manufactures high-quality motorcycle number plates designed specifically for the demands of motorcycle use. Our motorbike number plates UK are built using premium acrylic materials with enhanced durability to withstand vibration, weather exposure, and the unique mounting challenges of motorcycle applications. All our motorcycle plates are fully road legal and DVLA approved when manufactured to correct specifications. With over 27,000 satisfied customers and a 4.9-star rating, we're a trusted supplier across the UK.
Legal Motorcycle Plate Size - 9×7 Inches
The standard road legal motorcycle number plate size in the UK is 9×7 inches (229×178mm). This size is mandated by DVLA regulations and accommodates the required 64mm character height for motorcycle plates (smaller than the 79mm height required for car plates). Unlike car plates where some registrations can use reduced sizes, motorcycle plates have a fixed legal size requirement - all road-going motorcycles must use the standard 9×7 inch format to remain compliant.
Important: Plates smaller than 9×7 inches are not legal for road use on motorcycles in the UK. Despite their popularity for aesthetic reasons, smaller plates like 8×6 inch or 7×5 inch formats violate DVLA spacing and margin requirements. Enforcement of motorcycle plate sizing has increased significantly, with police and MOT testers specifically checking for undersized plates. Using illegal small plates can result in fines up to £1,000, MOT failure, and potential insurance complications.
Show Plates vs Road Legal Plates
There's a critical distinction between road legal motorcycle plates and motorcycle show plates. Road legal plates must be exactly 9×7 inches and meet all DVLA spacing requirements. Show plates can be made in any size, including popular reduced formats like 8×6 inch or 7×5 inch, but these are strictly for off-road use only - bike shows, exhibitions, photoshoots, or display purposes.
Many motorcycle owners use show plates for bike shows or private property but switch to properly sized road legal plates for actual riding. Using show plates on public roads is illegal and can lead to prosecution. If your custom bike will be ridden on UK roads, it must display a road legal 9×7 inch plate regardless of aesthetic preferences.
Materials & Durability
Motorcycle plates require more robust construction than car plates due to increased vibration, variable mounting positions, and greater weather exposure. Our motorbike number plates use premium grade acrylic specifically selected for flexibility and impact resistance. The material must withstand constant vibration without cracking whilst remaining rigid enough to maintain shape.
The acrylic is UV-stabilised to prevent fading from sun exposure, weather-resistant to handle rain and temperature variations, and impact-resistant to survive stone chips and minor knocks. The reflective backing meets BS AU 145e standards. The premium acrylic has inherent flexibility that absorbs vibration without cracking, whilst the UV-stabilised material resists fading despite direct sunlight exposure. This is why we can offer a 3-year warranty on all motorcycle plates.
3D and 4D Motorcycle Plates
Motorcycle plates can be upgraded to 3D gel characters or 4D laser-cut characters for enhanced appearance whilst maintaining road legality. These premium options are popular with sports bike owners and custom bike builders who want distinctive styling. The raised characters must maintain correct dimensions and spacing within the 9×7 inch format. Manufacturing 3D/4D motorcycle plates requires additional care due to vibration considerations - the gel or acrylic characters must be bonded using adhesives specifically rated for motorcycle applications.
Rear Plate & Character Requirements
Motorcycles only require a rear number plate - unlike cars which need both front and rear plates. The rear motorcycle plate must be reflective (meeting BS AU 145e standards) and illuminated by a white light that makes the registration readable in darkness. Most motorcycles have this light built into the tail section.
Motorcycle number plates use slightly different character specifications than car plates. Characters must be 64mm tall with a 10mm stroke width. Spacing between characters is 10mm, with 30mm spacing between character groups. All our motorcycle plates use the mandatory Charles Wright font as required by DVLA regulations, with characters printed or applied with precision to ensure exact sizing and positioning.
MOT & ANPR Compatibility
During MOT testing, motorcycle plates are checked for size compliance, character dimensions, spacing, reflectivity, and condition. Using undersized plates (anything smaller than 9×7 inches) is an automatic failure. The plate must be securely mounted, properly illuminated, and free from damage or excessive dirt. MOT testers specifically look for non-standard fonts, incorrect spacing, and plates that don't meet BS AU 145e standards.
Our motorcycle number plates are fully compatible with ANPR systems when manufactured and fitted correctly. The standard Charles Wright font, correct character sizing, and proper spacing ensure cameras can read the registration accurately. Undersized plates or non-standard fonts significantly reduce ANPR readability, potentially causing issues with automated systems.
Fitting & Positioning
Installing motorcycle number plates varies depending on bike design. Most use a tail tidy or rear mudguard mount that accepts the 9×7 inch plate. When fitting, ensure the plate is mounted securely to withstand vibration without rattling or flexing excessively. The plate should be positioned vertically where possible, or at the angle dictated by the bike's tail section design.
DVLA regulations specify that the motorcycle rear plate must be positioned vertically or as close to vertical as the vehicle design allows. The plate must not be obscured by any part of the motorcycle or its load. It should be clearly visible from a reasonable distance behind the bike. Some aftermarket tail tidies position plates at aggressive angles or partially hidden - whilst these may look cleaner, they can result in MOT failure or police attention if the registration becomes difficult to read.
Fast Delivery & 3-Year Warranty
We offer same day dispatch on eligible orders placed before our daily cut-off time. Most motorcycle plates are produced and dispatched within 24-48 hours, with fast delivery options across England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland. Orders over £60 qualify for free delivery.
Every motorcycle number plate is backed by our comprehensive 3-year warranty, covering manufacturing defects, fading, peeling, and material deterioration under normal UK weather conditions. For 3D/4D motorcycle plates, the warranty also covers character delamination and adhesion issues. Given the vibration and exposure challenges motorcycle plates face, our willingness to provide a 3-year warranty demonstrates the quality of our bonding techniques and materials.
Why Choose Premium Plates for Motorcycle Plates?
We specialise in motorcycle number plates UK with a focus on durability, legal compliance, and rider needs. Our combination of motorcycle-specific materials, proven manufacturing techniques, competitive pricing, and extended warranty makes us a preferred choice for riders seeking quality plates. The 4.9-star rating from over 27,000 customers reflects our commitment to excellence. Unlike some suppliers, we clearly distinguish between road legal and show plates, never claiming undersized plates are legal for road use. We understand the unique demands of motorcycle applications and manufacture accordingly.