Short Number Plates
Short and hex-style number plates designed for imported vehicles, custom builds, and specialist applications where a standard plate is too wide. Manufactured to BS AU 145e standard at our DVLA-registered facility in Wirral. Same-day collection or fast UK delivery.
DVLA Registered
Fully compliant
BS AU 145e
British Standard
UK Delivery
Nationwide shipping
Same-Day Collection
From Bromborough
Our Short Number Plates Range
What Are Short Number Plates?
Short number plates, also known as hex plates, have a reduced width compared to standard UK plates. They are designed for vehicles where the standard 520mm width is too wide — typically imported vehicles, custom builds, kit cars, and some European models with narrower plate recesses.
Despite the reduced width, short plates must still use the correct Charles Wright font and maintain standard character spacing and margin requirements. The height and character sizes remain the same as standard plates.
Are Short Number Plates Legal?
Yes, short number plates are road legal in the UK when manufactured to BS AU 145e standard by a DVLA-registered supplier. The reduced width is acceptable as long as the plate still displays the registration with the correct font, character size, spacing, and reflective material.
Short plates are commonly used on imported vehicles that were originally designed for narrower European plates. As long as the plate meets all BS AU 145e requirements, it is fully road legal.
When Do You Need a Short Plate?
Short plates are typically needed when a vehicle's plate recess is narrower than the standard 520mm UK plate. This is common on Japanese imports, certain European car models, custom-built vehicles, and kit cars.
If your standard plate overhangs the recess or doesn't fit properly, a short plate provides a clean, flush fit while maintaining full road legality. We can also manufacture plates to custom sizes for unusual applications.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are short number plates road legal in the UK?
Yes, short plates are road legal when manufactured to BS AU 145e standard with the correct font, spacing, and reflective material. They are commonly used on imported vehicles with narrower plate recesses.
What is the difference between short and standard plates?
Short plates have a reduced width compared to the standard 520mm UK plate. The character height and spacing remain the same. Short plates are designed for vehicles with narrower plate recesses.
Can I use short plates on any car?
Short plates are typically used on imported vehicles or custom builds where the plate recess is narrower than standard. They can be used on any vehicle as long as they meet BS AU 145e requirements.
What documents do I need for short plates?
You need valid photo ID and proof of vehicle entitlement (V5C logbook, new keeper slip, or certificate of entitlement) — the same requirements as any other road legal number plate.
Ready to Order Your Short Number Plates?
Same-day collection from Bromborough or fast UK delivery.