When operating Heavy Goods Vehicles (HGVs) in the UK, you must ensure that your trailer is properly registered and plated. Trailer plates serve as identification for the trailer, much like a vehicle’s number plate for trailer UK, and help you stay compliant with legal requirements, maintain road safety, and avoid penalties. In this blog, we’ll guide you through the essential information you need to know about trailer registration plates UK, including their legal requirements, the process of obtaining them, and common issues you should watch out for.
What Are Trailer Plates?
Trailer plates are identification tags attached to trailers used with HGVs. These plates function similarly to license plates for trailers, registering the trailer and ensuring that it meets UK road safety standards. The trailer number plate provides essential information such as the trailer’s registration number, manufacturer details, weight limits, and axle configuration. Additionally, trailer registration plates help authorities trace a trailer back to its owner in case of accidents, inspections, or violations.
In the UK, you must register your trailer with the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) and display a valid trailer license plate that complies with regulations under the Road Traffic Act and the Vehicle Excise and Registration Act.
Trailer number plate law uk
To operate legally in the UK, your trailer plates must meet specific legal requirements. Here’s an overview:
Trailer Plate Registration
You must register all trailers with the DVLA, regardless of whether you use them for commercial or private purposes. During registration, you need to complete the necessary paperwork, pay any fees, and provide proof of ownership. Once registered, the DVLA will assign a unique registration number that you must display on the trailer registration plate.
Trailer License Plate Size and Design
The UK requires trailers to display trailer registration plates UK that meet specific size and design standards. The standard size for trailer plates is 228 x 178mm (9″ x 7″), with characters displayed in a specific font and size for readability. Your plate must also include:
- The trailer’s registration number
- The manufacturer’s details
- The trailer’s weight specifications, including gross weight (maximum load), unladen weight, and
trailer registration plate Visibility
A trailer registration plate must feature solid black characters on a white background. The plate should have no designs, patterns, or textures. Specific requirements include:
- The margin between the bottom of the plate and the characters must be at least 13mm.
- Characters must be 64mm tall.
- All characters, except for the number ‘1’ or the letter ‘I’, must be 44mm wide.
- The number ‘1’ and the letter ‘I’ must be 10mm wide.
- The character stroke (the thickness of the print) must be 10mm.
- The space between characters must be 10mm.
- The vertical gap between rows of characters must be 5mm.
- The margin between the top of the plate and the characters must be at least 5mm.
Trailer plate for Each Trailer
Each trailer must have its own unique license plate for trailer. This means that even if you operate multiple trailers with the same towing vehicle, each trailer must have a separate registration number and plate.
Foreign Travel Requirements
If you are traveling abroad, trailers over 750kg (commercial) or 3,500kg (private) must have their own registration and license plate for trailer. Ensure that the plate complies with international regulations to avoid any issues while abroad.
Displaying the Plate
The trailer registration plate must be clearly visible on the rear of the trailer. If this is not possible, you may also place the plate on both sides of the trailer to ensure visibility from all angles.
Annual MOT Testing
Trailers, like HGVs, must undergo an annual MOT (Ministry of Transport) test to ensure they are roadworthy. During the test, the examiner will verify that the trailer number plate and will make sure it is readable as part of the overall safety inspection.
Why Are Trailer Plates Important for HGVs?
Trailer plates are crucial not only for legal compliance but also for road safety and traceability.
Legal Compliance
Failure to display a trailer registration plate can lead to fines, penalties, and even the removal of the trailer from the road until you bring it into compliance. Plating your trailer correctly helps you stay within the law and avoid disruptions to your operations.
Identification and Traceability
Trailer registration plates UK enable authorities to trace a trailer back to its owner. This is particularly important in cases of accidents, inspections, or violations, where authorities need to identify the trailer quickly and accurately.
Safety and Maintenance
Properly registered trailers must undergo regular safety checks, including MOT tests, which help identify any potential mechanical issues. By plating your trailer and regularly inspecting it, you contribute to the overall safety of your vehicle and cargo.
Insurance and Liability
Insurance providers often require proof of trailer registration. If your trailer is not properly registered or does not display a valid trailer number plate, your insurance claim could be invalidated in the event of an accident, leaving you financially liable.
How to Obtain Trailer Plates in the UK
The process of obtaining a trailer license plate is simple, but you must follow the correct steps to ensure full legal compliance:
Register the Trailer
To begin, you must register your trailer with the DVLA. You can complete the registration online or visit a local post office. During the process, you’ll need to provide proof of ownership, safety checks, and any relevant documents.
Receive the Registration Number
Once the trailer is registered, the DVLA will assign a unique registration number. This number must appear on the trailer plate.
Receive the Trailer plate
To obtain a number plate for your trailer, you must visit a registered number plate supplier (RNPS). A list of RNPS locations can be found here. You’ll need to provide your trailer’s number plate authorisation certificate, which will be sent to you by email after completing your online registration. This certificate is valid for five days. Once you receive your UK trailer registration certificate by post, you can use it to order your number plates.
In addition, you must present original documents proving your name and address. Acceptable identity documents include a driving licence, a utility bill, council tax or rates bill, or a bank/building society statement (all within the last six months). A national identity card can also be used for verification.
Affix the Plate
After receiving your registration details, you can have your trailer number plate made. Ensure that it meets all legal requirements regarding size, material, and placement. Securely attach the plate in a visible location on the trailer.
Common Issues and Best Practices for Trailer Plates
Keeping your trailer registration plates UK in compliance requires regular checks and maintenance. Here are some best practices to ensure your plates remain legible and your trailer stays roadworthy:
Ensure Legibility
Check that your trailer plates are free from damage, dirt, or any obstructions that could make the registration number difficult to read. A legible trailer license plate is essential for both safety and legal compliance.
Track Expiry Dates
Keep track of your trailer’s registration date and ensure that it is renewed on time. If you make any significant changes, such as transferring ownership or modifying the trailer, you may need to re-register it.
Perform Regular Inspections
Before any long-haul journey or transport of heavy loads, inspect your trailer to ensure that the license plate for trailer is properly affixed and intact. Regular inspections help prevent unexpected issues while on the road.
Compliance with Weight Regulations
UK law strictly enforces weight limits for trailers. Ensure that your trailer number plate reflects the trailer’s maximum gross weight and that you do not exceed the legal load limit. Overloading your trailer can lead to significant fines and penalties.
Penalties for no number plate on trailer
If you fail to display a valid number plate for trailer UK or use an incorrect plate, you risk receiving fines or penalties. Non-compliance can result in fines of up to £1,000, points on your license, or even the suspension of your trailer from the road.
FAQs
You cannot legally make your own number plate for a trailer. UK law requires that all trailer plates be produced by authorized suppliers who ensure that the plates comply with official regulations, including size, font, and reflective properties.
As of September 2021, UK number plate regulations require trailer plates to meet the ‘BS AU 145e’ standard. This means plates must be made from reflective materials, with non-removable characters displayed in a single shade of black. Background patterns are no longer permitted, although optional identifiers like flags or symbols can still be included.
4o mini
Some vehicle owners may prefer shorter plates for aesthetic reasons, but using them on trailers is generally illegal unless the trailer’s registration number is naturally shorter.
Yes you can use a temporary plate while waiting for permanent one but it must adhere to rules set by DVLA.
Conclusion
Trailer plates are an essential part of the regulatory framework that governs HGV operations in the UK. By ensuring that your trailers are properly registered and display the correct plates, you contribute to road safety, legal compliance, and efficient fleet management. Whether you’re a trailer owner, driver, or fleet manager, make sure your trailers are properly plated and compliant with all UK regulations. Regular inspections, correct registration, and adherence to trailer number plate law UK will help you keep your fleet roadworthy, safe, and legal.