The standard size of an oblong number plate is 520 x 111 mm, and is the most commonly used format for cars, trailers and light commercial vehicles. This size is designed to accommodate full-length registrations while maintaining DVLA-approved character spacing, margins and reflectivity under British Standard BS AU 145e.
Hex plates are a custom-shaped number plate style inspired by angular supercar designs such as those seen on Lamborghini models. At Alphabet Plates UK, they are available in printed, 3D Gel and 4D finishes. Each plate is precision cut to suit your registration and manufactured to meet BS AU 145e requirements when fitted as supplied.
Popular with car enthusiasts, hex plates offer a distinctive look while keeping a clean, modern appearance.
Short number plates are compact formats typically used where registrations contain fewer characters. Common widths include 14-inch, 16-inch and 18-inch options, depending on the registration layout and mounting recess.
Although smaller in size, short plates must maintain the legally required margins, font size and character spacing. When produced to DVLA standards, they are fully road legal and popular with drivers seeking a cleaner, more minimal appearance.
Oversized number plates are designed for vehicles with wider mounting areas or recessed tailgates, commonly found on large SUVs and prestige models such as Range Rover-style vehicles. A typical oversized format measures around 533 × 152 mm (21 × 6 inches).
Japanese import plates are produced to suit vehicles originally built for the domestic Japanese market, where bumper recesses differ from standard UK cars. These formats are designed to fill the available mounting space while retaining full road-legal compliance once registered in the UK.
A 4x4 square number plate is designed for vehicles that require a compact, square format. Measuring approximately 11 inches (279mm) wide by 8 inches (203mm) high, it is commonly used on Land Rover Defenders, trailers, taxis, horse boxes, lorries and some motorcycles. These plates can be road legal when manufactured to DVLA and BS AU 145e requirements, and are available in different styles, including standard and 4D front plates. Bespoke sizes are also available for personalised registrations.
Different vehicles require different number plate dimensions depending on body shape, mounting recess and registration length. In the UK, all formats — whether standard oblong, HEX, short, oversized, Japanese import or square motorcycle plates — must still meet DVLA regulations and the British Standard BS AU 145e. This means approved fonts, correct character spacing, reflective materials and legally required margins must be maintained regardless of the physical size.
Short and HEX plates are typically used where registrations contain fewer characters or where drivers want a compact appearance, while Japanese import formats are designed for vehicles with non-standard bumper recesses. Oversized plates are often chosen for larger mounting areas on SUVs, vans or imported vehicles where a small format would look disproportionate or fail to cover the original fixing points. 4×4 square and motorcycle plates are most commonly fitted to vehicles where a taller rear mounting area is required rather than a wide oblong layout.
Choosing the correct size is not just about appearance — fitting an incorrectly sized or non-compliant plate can result in MOT failure, fines or vehicle inspection notices. Measuring your mounting area, counting the characters in your registration and checking vehicle-specific recesses will help determine which format is suitable before ordering
As a DVLA-registered supplier, Alphabet Plates UK manufactures every plate to current UK standards, ensuring legality across all supported sizes. If you are unsure which option is right for your car or motorcycle, our team can advise before production.
Fitting a non-compliant number plate can result in:
Drivers may also be required to replace the plate immediately.
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