reflective number plates, when were they first used?

[singleton]

I was wondering if anybody knows when reflective plates first became available? Im sure that pre 73 cars can use the silver/ black plates which must mean that relective plates became a legal requirement on vehicles registered 73 on? Im just interested because I have pictures of my minor when it was new in 1968 with white front and yellow rear reflective plates, would it have simply been an option to the customer at the time instead of non reflective black plates? I think it will end up having silver on black plates when I have finished it.

[moggyadventurer]

Hi I believe it was a requirement from 68 onwards. I have owned mine from new (68) and seem to recall the law change in late 67. I top have refletive plates yellow rear, white front with rounded corners.

[bmcecosse]

At the time (1963??) - it was of course considered 'smart' to have the new reflective number plates! Now -any car pre 1973 wouldn't be seen dead wearing reflective plates! And any car from 73 onwards - should NOT have silver/black plates.

[MColes]

Mine are silver and black reflective plates - best of both worlds?

[bmcecosse]

Hardly 'reflective'!

[mike.perry]

K reg onwards were compulsory, I think. I removed them from my G reg Traveller when I bought it and fitted some proper plates.
I also stuck a Union flag over that EC thing on my wife's car

[faversham999]

Reflective Number plates were Law 1 8 1973 The start on M reg

[LouiseM]

The relevant legislation states that reflective number plates must be used on any vehicle manufactured after 1st January 1973.

[Rich68]

Here's another one about number plates....On early cars they had black plates with white raised lettering, Later cars had black plates with silver raised lettering. My car 57 1000 minor has the latter, is this correct? and when did they change from white lettering to silver? These plates are different to the later pressed aluminium ones as the lettering is plastic.Anyone??

[MColes]

Hardly 'reflective'!

No they really are black and silver but they're reflective also. I'll take a photo to proove it

[mike.perry]

Plates were a dealer fitting so there are no rules, it depends on what manufacturer the plates were supplied by. Mine are black with riveted alluminium letters on my MM and pressed letters on my Traveller, The traveller plates are about 10 years old

[DanRodd]

when the reflective yellow and white plates were introduced as BMC says it was the modern thing to have fitted to your new car,my 1969 Minor still has its original yellow and white plates with alluminium border and raised seperate digits,and they are staying on there!i myself love original accessories/mods,next one to go in is a nos late 60s Smiths rear screen heater,the white grid type,serves a purpose and looks the part,im sure the purists wont like me but i think it will stand out and look more like it would have done when it was a few years old