Show plates
Show plates
Show plates are made for off-road, show and display use only. They are not road legal and must not be fitted to a vehicle used on public roads. Here is what to understand before you buy.
What they are
For display and off-road use only
A show plate is a non-road-legal plate intended for off-road, track, display, photography and novelty use. Because it does not have to meet the road-legal rules, it may use finishes, layouts or spacing that are not permitted on the road.
That is exactly why it cannot be used on the public road. A plate that does not meet BS AU 145e, the correct font, legal spacing and the required markings is not road legal, even if it shows a valid registration.
We make show plates responsibly and clearly as show plates. They are sold for off-road and display purposes, and it is the buyer's responsibility to use them lawfully.
Show plate facts
- Off-road, show and display use only
- Not road legal and not for public roads
- Does not carry the BS AU 145e road-legal status
- Great for car shows, track days and photos
- Lawful use is the buyer's responsibility
The risks
Why you must not use them on the road
Using a non-compliant plate on a road vehicle can carry real consequences, so it is worth being clear before you buy.
Displaying a non-compliant or misrepresented plate on a public road can result in a fine.
A plate that is not road legal will fail an MOT, so the vehicle cannot pass while it is fitted.
For a private registration, persistent misuse on the road can lead to the registration being withdrawn.
Show plates FAQ
Can I put a show plate on my car for the road?
No. Show plates are for off-road, show and display use only and are not road legal. Fitting one to a vehicle used on public roads can lead to a fine, an MOT failure and, for a private reg, the registration being withdrawn.
What can I use a show plate for?
Show plates suit car shows, track days, off-road use, photography, displays and novelty purposes, where road-legal rules do not apply. It is your responsibility to use them lawfully.
Do show plates need documents?
The full identity and entitlement document checks apply to road-legal plates. Show plates are made as non-road-legal display items, so the road-legal document process is separate. Read about documents required for road-legal orders.
What is the difference between show and road-legal plates?
Road-legal plates meet BS AU 145e with the correct font, legal spacing, reflective colours and required markings. Show plates do not have to meet those rules, which is why they cannot be used on the road. See road-legal plates.
Design your show plate
Build a custom off-road show plate for display, shows and photography, with free UK delivery.