What should a fully legal license plate be?
I will explain the specifications and requirements for legal license plates in Hong Kong in more detail:
1. License plate number type:
a) Traditional number plate: "BE 1374" as shown in the picture
b) Customized number plate: "74 CENTS" as shown in the picture
2. License plate background color and font:
- Base color: reflective white - front license plate and yellow - rear license plate
- Font color: non-reflective black
- Fonts must be legible - Use prescribed zigzag patterns
3. Traditional license plate format:
- 2 English letters followed by 1~4 numbers
- There must be a space between English letters and numbers
- Fonts must strictly comply with the requirements listed in Figure 2 of Hong Kong Law 374e
4. Customized license plate format:
- Can contain a combination of English letters and numbers - 1~8 digit license plate number
- The arrangement of letters and numbers is more stringent and must comply with the requirements of Law 374e
- Allow meaningful words or phrases (such as "CENTS")
- Fonts must strictly comply with the requirements listed in Figure 2 of Hong Kong Law 374e
5. Font size and spacing:
- Font height: 80~110 mm (50~110 for motorcycles) mm)
- Traditional license plates: spaces are required between letters and numbers - no distance specified
- Customized license plate: Requires specific kerning; distance between words It should be 10~32mm, and the space width should be 55~70mm.
- Customizing license plates for motorcycles is more complicated: Requires specific kerning; distance between words It should be 2~25mm, and the space width should be 32~42mm. another 1 The distance between a word and a word It should be 8~25mm.
6. Manufacturing standards:
- Must comply with British Standard BS AU145a
- Use reflective materials to ensure visibility at night
- No shading or decorative patterns allowed
7. Trademark display:
- Required to display license plate manufacturer's trademark or name
- The license plate can display the vehicle brand's trademark (the "McLaren" logo on the lower license plate in the picture)
- However, these trademarks must be registered with the Transport Department in advance and approved for use.
8. Installation requirements:
- The license plate must be securely mounted on the designated location on the vehicle
- License plates must not be obscured or modified in any way
9. Legal Compliance:
- All license plates must strictly comply with the requirements of Chapter 374e of the Laws of Hong Kong
- Violation of these regulations may result in legal penalties
10. Special considerations:
- Traditional license plates do not have specific word spacing requirements, while customized license plates do.
- Embossed characters are acceptable, but the fonts need to be nailed and welded on the sign board
11. Manufacturing process:
- License plates must be produced by an authorized manufacturer and must hold a certificate
- The manufacturing process needs to follow strict quality control standards
These detailed regulations ensure the uniformity, readability and legality of Hong Kong license plates, while also providing car owners with a little room for personalization. Compliance with these regulations is not only a legal requirement but also contributes to smooth traffic management and law enforcement efforts.