Incorrect Spacing
It is crucial to have the digits spaced correctly. If you are unsure of the required spacing for your registration, you can check how it is displayed on your V5C logbook (or your V778/V750 if you are yet to receive your V5C). Spacing incorrectly makes your plate harder to read by the ANPR cameras.
Placing of Bolts
Sometimes bolts can make a letter or number look like a different digit from a distance. This could make your registration look like a completely different combination, a combination that might be registered to another vehicle.
The Wrong Font
There is a specific font that is used on UK plates, which allows it to be clearly read and each letter and number to be easily identified. The standard font used is ‘Charles Wright’.
Incorrect Background
Applying non-standard backgrounds, colours or even stickers can interfere with the ANPR reading. The front plate must be the standard white background, while the rear plate must be the standard yellow background.
3D and 4D Number Plates
If you have a 3D or 4D number plate the ANPR will not be able to read it correctly. Please be aware that if you wish to use the ANPR prepaid accounts you will need to have a standard number plate.
Invalid Flags
Some people like to add a flag to their plates but it must be positioned correctly and must be a valid flag as only a set number of flags are permitted on a UK plate. These are:
EU Flag (Please note; we suspect this might change in the future due to Brexit)
St. George Cross
Union Jack
Red Dragon of Wales
Scottish Saltire (St Andrew Cross)