Trials Bike & Motocross Number Plates
Competition number boards and off-road identity plates — built tough for the track.
✓ Lightweight & Durable
✓ Custom Numbers
✓ Club & Event Branding
Rider Identification
Clearly visible competition numbers help marshals, officials, and spectators identify riders at speed.
Impact Resistant
Made from flexible, high-density materials that absorb knocks without shattering — essential for off-road use.
Lightweight
Every gram matters on a competition bike. Our boards add minimal weight while maintaining excellent visibility.
Custom Colours
Choose your background and number colour to match club livery, team colours or event requirements.
Trials Bike vs Motocross: Different Plates for Different Disciplines
Trials riding and motocross are both off-road disciplines, but they have different traditions and different requirements for competition number plates. Understanding the distinction helps you order the right product for your riding.
Trials Bike Plates
- Traditionally white background with black numbers
- Mounted front and rear on the bike
- Typically smaller format — often around 200×150mm
- Number assigned by club or event organiser
- Used in observed trials, enduro & green lanes (on private land)
- Can include club name or event branding
Motocross Number Boards
- Larger format boards — front number plate + side panels
- Background colour varies by class (white, yellow, red are common)
- Numbers must contrast clearly with the background
- Class identification via background colour is ACU/Motorsport UK convention
- Used at club, regional and national MX events
- Sponsor logos and rider name often included
ACU and Motorsport UK Competition Requirements
In the UK, off-road motorcycle sport is governed by the Auto-Cycle Union (ACU) for most disciplines and by Motorsport UK for certain four-wheel off-road events. The ACU publishes its Standing Regulations annually, which set out the requirements for competition number plates at ACU-permitted events. Requirements can vary by discipline — for example, motocross events may specify minimum character height, permitted background colours per championship class, and the requirement for numbers to be visible from a specified distance. Always check the specific regulations for your event or championship before ordering, as requirements can change year to year.
For club-level events, the rules are often set by the organising club itself, giving more flexibility. Many clubs adopt the ACU’s standard conventions as a baseline. The most universally accepted format for trials is black numbers on a white background; for motocross, a white background with black numbers is standard for the overall class, with yellow and red backgrounds indicating different championship points classes at many events. If in doubt, contact your club or event secretary before ordering.
Common Plate Sizes for Trials and Motocross
| Application | Typical Size | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Trials bike front plate | ~200 × 150 mm | Fits standard trials bike headstock area |
| Trials bike rear plate | ~150 × 100 mm | Compact format for mudguard/tail mounting |
| Motocross front number board | ~300 × 200 mm | Large format for visibility at speed |
| Motocross side panels | Varies by frame | Custom cut to match bike’s side panel shape |
We can cut boards and plates to custom dimensions to match your specific bike frame, so if the standard sizes don’t work for your setup, contact us with your measurements.
Materials: What Makes a Good Competition Plate?
Off-road competition places extreme demands on number plates. A motocross track or trials section involves rough ground, flying stones, branches, water crossings, and the inevitable falls. The ideal material is flexible polypropylene or HDPE (high-density polyethylene) — both are lightweight, impact resistant, and flexible enough to survive a crash without shattering. Rigid acrylic, while ideal for road plates, is not suitable for competition use as it will crack on impact. Our off-road competition boards are produced in materials specifically suited to the demands of the sport.
How to Order Your Competition Plates
Choose Your Spec
Tell us the size, background colour, number colour, and competition number. Check your event regulations first so we match the requirements exactly.
Add Branding (Optional)
Want your club name, event name, sponsor logo or rider name included? We can incorporate text and simple graphics on your boards.
Fast Despatch
No DVLA documentation required for competition plates. Once your order is placed and artwork confirmed, we’ll despatch promptly — typically 1–3 working days.
Trials Bike & Motocross Plate FAQs
Can I use a trials bike plate on the road?
No. Trials bike and motocross competition plates are not manufactured to the BS AU 145e standard and are not road legal. Using one on a road-registered motorcycle is an offence under the Road Vehicles (Display of Registration Marks) Regulations 2001. If you ride a road-registered motorcycle that you also use off-road (e.g. an enduro bike with road registration), you’ll need proper BS AU 145e compliant road plates for road use.
What colour should a motocross number board be?
Colour conventions vary by championship and event. At ACU-permitted events, the standard classes typically use: white background with black numbers (overall class), yellow background for intermediate classes, and red or other colours for specific championship classes. Always check the standing regulations for your specific championship or contact the event secretary. Club events often have their own colour conventions.
Can I put my name or sponsor logos on a competition plate?
For most club-level events, yes — adding your name and sponsor logos alongside your competition number is common and accepted. At ACU national championship level, there may be restrictions on what can appear on the number board alongside the competition number. Check the ACU Standing Regulations or your championship regulations for the specific rules.
Do I need to provide ID to order competition plates?
No. Competition plates are not road-legal number plates and are not covered by the Road Vehicles (Display of Registration Marks) Regulations — so there is no legal requirement to provide proof of identity or entitlement. You simply order the specification you need.
What is the minimum size for a motocross front number board?
The ACU’s Standing Regulations specify minimum number board dimensions for ACU-permitted events. In general, the front number board should be large enough for the number to be clearly legible from the required viewing distance — in practice, most front boards are around 280–320mm wide. Check the current ACU Standing Regulations or the specific event supplementary regulations for exact requirements, as these can change.
Can you supply plates for a full team or club at a discount?
Yes. We offer competitive pricing on bulk orders for clubs, teams and event organisers. If you need 10 or more plates or boards — whether for a club round or a full championship season — contact us on 0330 024 9273 to discuss volume pricing and turnaround times.
My event is in two weeks — can you turn around plates quickly?
In most cases, yes. Competition plates don’t require document verification, so we can move straight to production. Standard orders are typically despatched within 1–3 working days. If you have an urgent deadline, give us a call on 0330 024 9273 and we’ll do our best to accommodate you.