Resistance to impact

Stone chips and minor parking collisions are unfortunately part of driving. The impact test ensures the plate's longevity.

Did you know?

The UK impact test is unusually specific and strict. For example, another neighbouring Western European country's test doesn't specify how far the projectile should move, and uses a much lighter projectile.

The impact test is repeated 3 times to ensure that the plate construction passes.

How are plates tested?

A number plate is fixed in place at the bottom of a frame, on top of a hard rubber pad.

From the top of the frame, a projectile weighing 1kg is sent down a straight narrow (30-35mm) steel or plastic tube to create an impact. 

^{Image thanks to The British Standards Institute.}

After impact, the plates are checked for signs of a failure.

What makes a fail?

Any one of the three samples of a given construction showing:

• Cracks visible to the naked eye outside the 20mm radius of impact
• Any part of the plate detaching.