Black and White Number Plates

[Rob Gaskin]

My old car looks wrong too:

 

[SeanDezart]

Sean - yes I know but it's not as bad from a lower level. I didn't fit it by the way.

But how else could it be fitted (no space at the bottom to cut off a tadge) ?

 

[SeanDezart]

I like things to look right and the problem I have is it just looks wrong.

I'm with you - it's the details that count.

 

[johnymd]

I should have "it looks wrong to me" as it is very subjective and a matter of opinion. After all, we don't all like the same things. I'm just trying to find a compramise I am happy with.

 

[Rob Gaskin]

This might work with a bit of tidying-up, just a quick trial with my new front plate. My plastic one snapped a while ago when I was a bit rough with the car-cover'

 

[SeanDezart]

No Rob - it won't.

But I do hate those lumpy '80s plastic plates !

 

[Rob Gaskin]

My old car with rectangular plates front and rear.

 

[SeanDezart]

Still looks awful with the plate hanging down over the red paint at the rear.

 

[Rob Gaskin]

Still looks awful with the plate hanging down over the red paint at the rear.

The problem is that number plate light fitting - pretty hideous and far too big.

 

[datsfun]

The problem is that number plate light fitting - pretty hideous and far too big.

Can it not be replaced by modern LED type strip light fitting and thus clearing the space it takes up?

 

[johnymd]

Its not the top number plate light. It just the shape of the indent at the top. There just isn't a solution. You either have it looking **** or don't comply with the law.

 

[toopy]

This is how mine looks, no idea what size/legality of it, came with the car!

 

[bluejon]

To fit the space that is meant to accommodate a rectangular plate it needs to be a custom size, either 6.5 or 7 inches high ... like mine recently fitted. The standard 8 inch high UK plate is too large, meaning either you have to cut it (and it is non compliant plus looks a bit odd) or it overhangs below.

Two pics attached - my 'before' which had a cut 8 inch plate and lettering obscured by the rear light fitment. And my 'after' black/silver plate which is a 6.5 inch height and has smaller UK-compliant lettering

 

[kev64]

Mine just overlaps the silver paint.

 

[jonbills]

To fit the space that is meant to accommodate a rectangular plate it needs to be a custom size, either 6.5 or 7 inches high ... like mine recently fitted. There standard 8 inch high UK plate is too large, meaning either you have to cut it (and it is non compliant plus looks a bit odd) our it overhangs below.

Two pics attached - my 'before' which had a cut 8 inch plate and lettering obscured by the rear light fitment. And my 'after' black/silver plate which is a 6.5 inch height and has smaller UK-compliant lettering

I think that 6.5" plate looks right - I might even be tempted to get some new plates for mine!
what size are the letters then?

 

[bluejon]

I think that 6.5" plate looks right - I might even be tempted to get some new plates for mine!
what size are the letters then?

I think they are 2.5 inch like a bike plate, rather than the >3inch standard font. It's a UK legal font and size. ... not the skinny Japanese or US fonts. If I was being picky, like I am, I would have gone for 7inch height over 6.5.

 

[jonbills]

Thanks - food for thought.

 

[Rob Gaskin]

I think they are 2.5 inch like a bike plate, rather than the >3inch standard font. It's a UK legal font and size. ... not the skinny Japanese or US fonts. If I was being picky, like I am, I would have gone for 7inch height over 6.5.

2.5" is motorbike yes but not car size.

3.5" is reflective car size to 2001

3.1" is old B/W size and reflective from 2001

See Gov doc INF104

 

[bluejon]

2.5" is motorbike yes but not car size.
3.5" is reflective car size to 2001
3.1" is old B/W size and reflective from 2001
See Gov doc INF104

2.5 inch is also the font size for car imports, which mine is. And as I say a standard UK plate size does not fit, therefore a smaller plate is needed, therefore a smaller font to permit the required border around the text.

 

[johnymd]

I've just been looking on a website: www.number1plates.com and I see that they do import plates that are the correct 330mm wide and in 4 heights, 152, 165, 178 and 203mm. The letters will be laid out on 2 lines and the font size increases as you choose the taller plate. The fonts are fully legal and the plates have a BS number on the to show they comply. I'm guessing I can legally put them on my imports but what about UK cars?