This^^^^^ have a look at Rover 75s rear plates as an example. They were cut at the dealers to fit the odd shaped gap at the rear.
I might just buy a 7x5 again - I think that is less strange looking than this one and most people seem to have them!
Funnily enough,MCN did a piece on number plates the other week, it clearly stated that the plate must be rectangular?
Plenty of illegally spaced / fonted / background / emblem plates on cars - they never seem to get done.
I didn't see that, but I also don't consider MCN to be an authority or especially accurate on anything...
https://assets.publishing.service.g...le-registration-numbers-and-number-plates.pdf Motorcycles and tricycles Motorcycles registered on or after 1 September 2001 must only display a number plate at the rear of the vehicle If you ride a motorbike or motor tricycle registered before 1 September 2001 you can also display a number plate at the front, but do not have to. Motorcycle and motor tricycle number plate characters (registered on or after 1 January 1973) must be set on 2 lines.
https://www.gov.uk/displaying-number-plates/rules-number-plates Rules for number plates The number plates on your vehicle must: be made from a reflective material display black characters on a white background (front plate) display black characters on a yellow background (rear plate) not have a background pattern be marked to show who supplied the number plate be marked with a British Standard number - this is ‘BS AU 145e’ for plates fitted after 1 September 2021 The characters must not be removable or reflective. If your number plates were fitted after 1 September 2021, they must also be a single shade of black. Your number plates can also: have 3D (raised) characters display certain flags, symbols and identifiers display a green flash, if you have a zero-emission vehicle
https://www.regtransfers.co.uk/acrylic-number-plates/number-plates-for-motorbikes the margins at the top, bottom and side of the plate must be at least 11mm
...and the relevant margin is the distance from the outermost character edge (top/bottom/side) to the edge of the plate, so... AA11 ABC can have a narrower plate than AA88 ABC My Hyper plate is well under 7 x 5" as I've trimmed it to the legal minimum of 10mm all round (incuding the other requirement of the plate manufacturer/dealer name at the bottom). Why the hell is this a reqirement?
Presumably so the police can fine someone if the spacing/ measurements are different from the regs, in instances when the owner has not made any changes. Its all BS, I've never had a problem.
Why the hell is this a requirement? Presumably so that the authorities can establish whether the plate is genuine or cloned?
Although speed camera technology didn’t exist when the specification for number plates was enshrined in law, the “authorities” will have you believe the specifications are enforced so speed cameras accurately record the index mark. The same “authorities” are unable to identify a cloned plate until an irate legal owner is given a fine. Even then, with the added information available on colour and body shape, they still can’t get it right. Andy
https://www.bnma.org/advice-centre/the-new-rules-british-standard-bs-au-145e/ Designed and printed with the correct: Solid black digits (NEW).Two-tone/3D effect fonts of any kind are no longer allowed. This is for ANPR cameras. Supplying outlet’s details.The centre-bottom of the plate must include the supplier’s business name and postcode. Component manufacturer's mark. All plates show the manufacturer name and BS AU 145e in the bottom right corner of the plate. Space around the registration. This is essential for ANPR readability. Optional border.
Here we go on the ole numberplate debate/argument.....everyone knows whats legal and whats not....its just a case of where your own risk tolerance lies...
I see it as three options 1 full legal 2 modified but legible particularly by ANPR eg 8x5 7x5 etc 3 take the piss eg small, short spacing to make some rubbish name only you can read, etc
Imo a policeman (policeperson? ) would have to be having a particularly bad day to kick up a fuss over a 7x5 plate. I wouldn't go any smaller though, but that's just my personal take on it.
