Short Number Plates
Shortened plates for tight recesses and short registrations, with an honest check on what is legal for your reg.
Overview
From£15.99
per plate · pair from £28.99 · inc. VAT
- Shortest legal fit, calculated for your registration
- Fixed 14", 16" and 18.5" sizes
- Choose printed, 3D gel, 4D or 4D gel lettering
- Clear show-plate warnings when a size is too short
| Sizes | 18.5" (470mm), 16" (406mm), 14" (356mm) or shortest legal fit |
|---|---|
| Height | 111mm (101mm for shortest legal fit – 11mm all round) |
| Lettering | Printed 2D, 3D gel or 4D acrylic |
| Legal check | Automatic, based on your registration |
| Sold as | Single front, single rear or a pair |
| Available sizes | 18.5", 16", 14", shortest legal fit |
About short number plates
Short plates are popular on imports, classics and cars with small plate recesses. What matters legally is not the plate length but the characters: they must stay at full size, with the correct spacing and margins.
That means short registrations often fit a short plate legally, while a full current-style registration needs around 460mm. Our builder calculates the minimum width for your exact registration and offers a “shortest legal fit” option cut to that size.
Delivery & returns
Plates are made to order and sent by tracked delivery, free on plate orders over £40.00. Because every plate is personalised, we can't accept returns for change of mind, but if anything arrives damaged or incorrect we'll put it right. Full delivery & returns details.
Short plate FAQs
Are short number plates legal in the UK?
Yes, if your registration fits at full character size with the required spacing and margins. If the characters would need to be shrunk to fit, the plate is a show plate and must not be used on the road.
How short can my plate be?
It depends on your registration. Enter it in the builder and choose “Shortest legal fit” to see the minimum width in millimetres.
What if my registration doesn’t fit a 14" plate?
You can still order it as a show plate (clearly marked not for road use), or choose a longer size that keeps the characters legal.
Other plate styles
All styles →Design your Short plates
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