Are Imported Number Plates Legal in the UK?

Number plates are an important part of driving in the UK. In this article, we’ll discuss what types and where you can find them!
Imported Number Plates Legal?

YES THEY ARE!!!

Here at Number Plate Clinic, we specialise in ALL Types of number plates including the import. Imported cars within UK have been permitted to mount smaller font and significantly wider ranges compared with normal size country’s plate styles!

Imported Number Plates Sizes

These are 3 main import plate sizes:-

13’ x 7’ — 330mm x 178mm

13’ x 6.5’ — 330mm x 165mm

12’ x 6.5’ — 305mm x 165mm

The three main sizes for imported plates are 13’ x 7′, which is legal up to a maximum dimension of 330mm x 178 mm; the next option available amounts to about 1 inch shorter at 12″x6.5″. however, it’s important that you know what kind these smaller digits represent because they may come with different rules than your usual UK-sized ones do! Lastly there exists another set made 13’ x 6.5’.

 

50% OFF

Check out the Road Legal Motorbike Number Plates

 

Are Imported Size Number Plates Legal on UK Vehicles?

The legality of installing imported size number plates on UK-spec vehicles has been a recent query from some of our customers. In this blog, the we will clarify why mounting imported size number plates on your UK-spec vehicles is deemed illegal, with potential fines of up to £*** if stopped.

The Honda Civic, particularly the Honda Civic EP3, has been a focal point in these inquiries. Enthusiasts often adorn these vehicles with smaller imported size number plates. Various rear number plate sizes, such as 330mm x 178mm (13’ x 7’), 330mm x 165mm (13’ x 6.5’), and 303mm x 152mm (12’ x 6’), are popular choices.

Are JDM cars legal in the UK? 

 JDM cars are legal in the UK, so if you want to import a JDM car from Japan to the UK, you’re allowed to do so. However, the vehicle will need to pass the individual vehicle approval (IVA) test before it’s deemed road-legal.

Number Plate Legislation Specifications:

According to legislation, number plates for UK-spec vehicles must adhere to specific specifications, including:

Character height: 79mm

Character width: 50mm

Spacing between characters: 11mm (horizontal), 33mm (horizontal groups), 19mm (vertical groups)

Minimum margin: 11mm (horizontal and vertical)

Calculating the minimum size for a square number plate with a 7-digit registration on a UK-spec vehicle reveals a total height of 199mm.

Consideration for Imported Vehicles:

Imported size number plates and motorcycle number plates have different dimensions and spacings, such as:

Character h: 64mm

Character w: 44mm

Spacing between characters: 10mm (horizontal), 30mm (horizontal groups), 13mm (vertical groups)

Minimum margin: 5mm (outer margins and vertical spacing), 13mm (bottom)

For JDM imported vehicles, the minimum size for a square number plate with a 7-digit registration is calculated to be 151mm high.

Legally Mounting Smaller Number Plates:

Mounting smaller number plates is permissible as long as they comply with legislative requirements regarding character height, width, stroke, spacing, and margins. The overall size is subject to the number of characters and the presence of narrow characters like 1’s and I’s.

At Number Plate Clinic, we provide smaller imported size number plates for both imported and UK-spec vehicles, ensuring full legality. Our range includes various styles and sizes; explore our Number Plates for more details contact us. We also offer the smallest legal imported number plates for motorcycles, complete with documentation to validate their legality. 

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate in contacting us on info@numberplateclinic.co.uk / 0777 444 55 16

Follow us on our Youtube Channel