Tinted number plates are one of the most stylish upgrades car enthusiasts love — giving vehicles a sleek, stealthy finish.
But are they actually legal for UK roads?
Let’s break down the DVLA’s rules, what’s allowed, and what isn’t, so you can customise your plate confidently.
What the DVLA Says About Tinted Plates
According to DVLA regulations (BS AU 145e), road-legal plates must:
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Be clearly visible and easy to read from a distance
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Display black characters on a white (front) and yellow (rear) reflective background
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Include the supplier’s details and BS AU 145e marking
- Any tint, smoke, or colour that reduces reflectivity or visibility instantly makes a plate non-compliant and therefore not road legal.
So, while tinted plates look great, they are for show use only.
Why Tinted Plates Fail the DVLA Test
Here’s why tinted plates don’t meet road standards:
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Reduced Reflectivity:
DVLA-approved reflective materials are designed for high visibility at night. Adding tint or smoke films blocks this reflection. -
Altered Colour Contrast:
A darker background reduces the contrast between the lettering and plate, making it harder for cameras or ANPR systems to read. -
No BS AU 145e Certification:
Most tinted or smoked plates are produced without the official legal markings — making them non-compliant by default.
So, Are Tinted Plates Legal?
Road Legal:
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Standard white/yellow reflective background
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Black characters only
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BS AU 145e marking
Not Road Legal:
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Smoked, tinted, or coloured backgrounds
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Reflective or 3D tinted film overlays
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Missing supplier or BS markings
If you drive with tinted plates on public roads, you risk:
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A £100 fine
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MOT failure
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Police confiscation
Where Tinted Plates Are Allowed
Tinted plates are perfectly fine to use as:
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Show plates for car meets and exhibitions
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Display pieces for garages, events, or photo shoots
At Custom Number Plates UK, we clearly label road-legal and show plates — so you always know which is safe for driving and which is display-only.