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Bluecat | 01:47 Tue 02nd May 2006 | Technology
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Maybe not the right section to put this question, but here goes. whats the name of the font used for car number plates?


ta

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Although the font used for car number plates is probably similar to several True Type fonts, it was designed specifically to be used on registration plates. So the only name which can be assigned to it is the 'DVLA Mandatory Character Font'.

It's basically a 'sans serif' block font although two letters, B & D, are not truly 'sans serif' since the horizontal strokes, at the top and bottom of these letters extend further to the left than would be expected in sans serif fonts:
http://www.dvla.gov.uk/vehicles/regmarks/reg_m arks_current_requirements.htm#mandatorycharact erfont

Chris
Mmmmm.........Just tried running a number plate through my printer and it b******d it.. Think I'll buy a set.
The B and D chracters have their horizontal lines extended (serifs) in order to more easily distinguish B from 8 and D from O. The font was originally designed in 1935 and is still used today with modifications to chracter shape and width to enhance readability. Number Plates made before 1st Sept 2001 must have a very similar font to the mandatory one (or the same one) with easily distiguishable characters, with or without serifs, and not italic. Number plates that don't fall in line with this must be replaced.

The font can be downloaded from several sources but the going rate is about �30. It goes under many names depending on who's trying to flog it to you.
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Thanks every one thats perftect

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