Rear Registration Plate UK: Rules, Lighting & Replacements (2026)
Quick Answer
Your rear number plate must have a yellow background with black characters, be illuminated at night, and fully comply with BS AU 145e legal standards.
Your rear registration plate has a unique set of legal requirements that differ slightly from the front plate. It must be yellow, illuminated at night, and meet all BS AU 145e standards. A failing rear plate — whether cracked, unlit, or faded — is an immediate MOT failure. This guide covers everything you need to know.
Rear Plate vs Front Plate: The Key Differences
| Feature | Front Plate | Rear Plate |
|---|---|---|
| Background colour | White retroreflective | Yellow retroreflective |
| Illumination required | No | Yes — must be lit at night |
| BS AU 145e compliance | ✅ | ✅ |
| Font | Charles Wright 2001 | Charles Wright 2001 |
Rear Number Plate Legal Requirements
Under BS AU 145e and the Road Vehicles (Display of Registration Marks) Regulations 2001, your rear plate must:
- Be yellow retroreflective (not white, cream, or any other colour)
- Display black characters in Charles Wright 2001 font at the correct size and spacing
- Be illuminated whenever the vehicle’s lights are on (via a dedicated number plate light)
- Be clearly visible from 20 metres in daylight
- Bear the supplier’s name, postcode, and BS AU 145e mark
- Not be covered by a tow bar, bike rack, or other accessory in a way that obscures the registration
Rear Number Plate Lighting Requirements
The rear plate light (sometimes called the number plate lamp) is a legal requirement on all UK vehicles. It must illuminate the plate whenever your sidelights or headlights are switched on. A failed plate light is an MOT failure — it is checked in the lighting section of every MOT test.
If your rear plate light has failed:
- Check the bulb first — it is usually a simple festoon or LED bulb replacement accessible from inside the boot
- If the bulb is fine, check the fuse and wiring
- Many modern LED plate lamps are direct replacements and are significantly brighter and longer-lasting than incandescent bulbs
When to Replace Your Rear Number Plate
Replace your rear plate immediately if it is:
- Cracked or broken
- Faded, yellowed, or no longer a clear yellow background
- Missing characters or showing damage to any letter or number
- Bent or warped so it cannot lie flat
A degraded yellow background is a common MOT advisory that becomes a failure on repeat tests. Yellow retroreflective plates do fade with UV exposure over time — especially on south-facing or regularly parked-outside vehicles.
Order a Replacement Rear Plate Today
At Car Plates Pro, you can order a single rear plate or a full front-and-rear pair. Choose from standard replacement plates from £6.99, 3D Gel from £9.99, or 4D Gel from £13.99. Order before 2PM Monday–Friday for same-day dispatch — next working day delivery to 98% of UK addresses. Free sticky pads included.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is the rear number plate yellow and the front white?
The colour difference helps drivers and ANPR cameras identify the direction a vehicle is travelling — white plates face oncoming traffic, yellow plates face following traffic. This convention has been part of UK law since the 1970s.
Is it illegal to have a white rear number plate?
Yes. A white rear plate is illegal in the UK. The rear plate must be yellow retroreflective. White rear plates are common on imported vehicles and must be replaced before the vehicle is used on UK roads.
Does my rear plate need to be lit?
Yes. The rear registration plate must be illuminated whenever the vehicle’s lights are on. A failed plate light is an MOT failure. Replace the bulb promptly — it is a simple, inexpensive fix.
Can I have a 4D rear number plate?
Yes. 4D Laser-Cut and 4D Gel plates are available for front and rear. Both are fully road legal under BS AU 145e on yellow backgrounds for the rear.