4D 3mm vs 5mm number plates: finish, price and fitting
Compare Vista's 3mm and 5mm acrylic lettering, single and pair prices, and what to check around your plate holder before ordering.
The difference is the acrylic depth
Vista's 4D 3mm and 4D 5mm options both use raised black acrylic characters with a flat face and defined edges. The 5mm option stands further from the plate surface; 3mm gives a shallower finish.
Choose the appearance you prefer. Depth alone does not tell you whether a complete plate is suitable for road use, and it does not change the letters or numbers in your registration.
Compare single and pair prices
Standard Vista 4D 3mm plates are £24.99 for one front or rear plate, or £44.99 for a front and rear pair. 4D 5mm is £29.99 for one plate, or £49.99 for a pair.
These are the starting prices for standard 520 × 111mm plates with no badge, border or fixings, before any promotional discount. UK delivery is free on retail orders. Other sizes and optional extras can change the price; check the total in the builder before paying.
Check the holder and mounting space
Look at how your current plates are mounted. If a holder or frame overlaps the plate face, check the available clearance for raised characters. Measure the mounting area before changing the overall plate size.
Choosing deeper lettering does not make an unsuitable holder fit. If you are unsure, send Vista a clear photograph of the mounting area and ask about the specification before ordering.
- Check the usable width and height of the mounting area.
- Look for frame edges that overlap the characters.
- Choose front, rear or pair deliberately.
- Select any required sticky pads or screw kit in the builder.
Acrylic, gel and the complete road-use specification
4D acrylic has a flat face. 3D gel has a rounded glossy surface, while 4D Gel combines acrylic with a gel face. Use the product close-ups to compare these finishes rather than treating every raised style as the same.
GOV.UK allows raised characters, but the complete road-use plate must meet the requirements for its background, characters, spacing and supplier and British Standard markings. Select Road Legal for a road-use order and provide the required identity and registration entitlement documents before manufacture. Show Plates are for display only.
Review both ends before checkout
Select 4D 3mm or 4D 5mm, then choose a white front plate, yellow rear plate or pair. Add your registration, size and available extras and check the preview carefully.
If you are replacing just one plate, compare your existing finish first so you can decide whether to match it or replace both. If you need the order by a particular date, confirm production and delivery timing with Vista before ordering.