The mandatory registration plates that are currently used to display a vehicle’s registration mark in the UK are referred to as vehicle registration plates.  These have been in existence since 1903 when the vehicle identification system was implemented and their display was first required by UK law.  When the Motor Car Act of 1903 came into being on New Year’s Day of 1904 it required vehicles that were used on public roads to be officially entered on a vehicle registry and to display vehicle plates, which were numbered.

The act was passed in order to easily track a specific vehicle should an accident occur that involved that vehicle.  These car registration plates are typically manufactured in a rectangular or square shape with the exact dimensions and lettering prescribed by the current motor vehicle laws.

Additionally, there are currently two numbering and registration methods which are used in the UK.  One of these methods applies to Great Britain, which the Driver Vehicle and Licensing Agency (or DVLA) administers.  The second is the Northern Ireland Driver and Vehicle Agency (or DVA).  Both of these are recognised as being equal in legislative status.

The Road Vehicles Regulations of 2001 (Display of Registration Marks) mandates that car registration plates must be displayed in accordance to this legislation.  As of the 1st January 1973, vehicles manufactured after that date must display car registration plates manufactured from reflex reflecting materials using a white background on the front plate and yellow background on the rear plate.  Both of which must have black characters on the plates.