Shortened number plates: legal sizes and rules

Shortened number plates are road legal. Nothing in the regulations sets an overall length for a plate: what they cover is the characters, their font and spacing, and the margin around them. Get those right and a shorter plate is as legal as a full-size one.

What is a shortened number plate?

Shortened number plates, as the name suggests, are simply number plates that have been reduced in length. They offer a sleek and modern aesthetic, especially appealing to those who favour a minimalist or more streamlined appearance for their vehicle. The key draw of these plates is the chance to give your car a distinct touch, making it easily recognisable in a sea of standard-sized plates.

The rules on shortened plates

The margin is the part to get right: at least 11mm between the first and last characters and the edge of the plate. That keeps the registration readable for cameras, the police and other drivers.

A plate cut tighter than that is not road legal, however good it looks. The wider rules that apply to every plate, whatever its size, are in our guide to number plates and the law.

What size do we cut shortened plates to?

The minimum margin at the first and last characters is 11mm, while the top and bottom margin on a standard plate is 16mm, so an 11mm side margin next to a 16mm margin above and below does not look even. So unless you ask for something specific, we cut shortened plates with a 16mm margin all the way round: legal, and uniform on every edge.

If you need an exact size, send us the measurement in millimetres or inches when you order and we will cut to it.

What this means for vehicle owners

For those looking to customise their vehicle with a shortened plate, the overall length is not the obstacle. Three things are still worth getting right:

• Ensure compliance: while the overall length might not be an issue, always make sure the 11mm margin rule is strictly adhered to.
• Choose quality suppliers: not all plate manufacturers offer the same level of precision and quality. Always opt for suppliers who are familiar with the current regulations and can guarantee compliant products.
• Consider aesthetics: while a shortened plate can look sleek on a sports car or a coupe, ensure it complements your vehicle's overall aesthetics.

Ordering a shortened plate

Shortened plates give a vehicle a cleaner look, and they stay road legal as long as the margins are right. You can order shortened number plates from us in the standard cut or at a size you specify, and you can see how one looks with your registration on it in the plate builder.