Considering swapping your standard number plate for a short one but don’t want to get in trouble with the law? If so, we’re here to help! If you are looking to buy a private license plate with 6 characters or under, this could look a little odd on a standard license plate, in which case, a short number plate would be ideal… But is it legal to do this? Keep on reading to find out more
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The number plates that you commonly see on the road haven’t always been that length. Some very early registrations featured as little as two characters and many of these older registrations are still available to buy today.
Essentially, a short number plate is exactly what it says on the tin; a shorter number plate than the standard size. A standard size number plate in the UK is 520mm long by 111mm tall. Rear plates can either be the same size, be smaller at 285mm x 203mm, or slightly bigger at 533mm x 285mm.
If you take a look at NPC’s number plate builder you can see that we offer a comprehensive range of shorter license plates for you to choose from. Some of these are better suited to 7-digit registrations, and some to 6-digit registrations.
In essence, the physical dimensions of short number plates are not the issue, it’s the space and sizing of the characters. If you want to ensure your license plate is road legal, the plate must conform to DVLA rules.
The DVLA has basic rules about number plates,, the main one being that they must follow current British standards. These rules cover the permissible dimensions of characters displayed on plates. Do bare in mind that the rules vary slightly depending on if your number plate has been fitted before or after September 1st 2001.
Ensuring your number plate follows certain character weight and height rules, spacing rules, and margin rules, you can drive your car with the confidence knowing that your license plate is road legal. The same rules also apply to 3D and 4D number plates too.
Explore the World of 3D and 4D PlatesBrowse our collection or, for more information, you can call us on 0777 444 55 16 or email:- info@numberplateclinic.co.uk
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One Response
Yes, they are very much legal providing there is a space of 11mm between characters and 33mm between character groups.