The front number plate on my hawkeye looks too long, is it possible (legal) to have a smaller plate?

 

Yes, the plate can be smaller but the size of the digits cannot be reduced. So you can make the plate narrower, as the law states a definitive font size and style only

 

It can be trimmed, but there must be a minimum of 11mm between the edge of the letters and the edge of the plate itself.

I run a 3/4 size front plate (uses motorcycle sized digits) technically not legal, but looks legal enough not to get me into bother

 

This is the place to get all the info on number plates

www.craigsplates.com/

Steve

 

you can use import number plates on (the imported) subarus, they have a slightly smaller font although not as small as the motorcycle ones. They look much better IMHO:


and front:

 

OK, thanks for the replies.

 

Considering that insurance companies wont cover non road legal cars does this mean that if you have a crash with a 3/4 size number plate they would not payout?

 

They are motorcycle sized letters mate Height is 65mm iirc. Any smaller than that is, even on a motorbike, illegal!

 

I've been looking, depending on the digits you have...
Halfords do the legal size plates....

NORMAL size: 520mmx110mm
Medium size: 420x110mm
Small size: 330x110mm

this all depends on how many letters and numbers you have on the plate, but these keep the LEGAL size on digit hight/width etc.

 

That's the info I found on line when getting my plates sorted. I trimmed mine to that criteria and have had no issues whatsoever. A friend has a hawk like mine and has the full size plates which look plain awful alongside the trimmed ones, it probably helps that I only have six digits which makes for shorter plates.

 

Import Size

 

I only have 5 digit plate and import/motorcycle sized letters

Full sized plates look cack

 

any pics bud?

 

I could actually trim it a fair bit more when I can be bothered

 

tidy, what did you trim them with?

 

I used a fine tooth mitre saw without its frame and just cut slowly with some Mr sheen on the saw blade, then smoothed the edges on a sheet of wet and dry, again lubed with the polish.

 

nice one

 

how about this ?........ 16" x 4.5".... nice size, looks tidy, digits are about 80mm high... never been pulled for it so not ott small



buy them here delivered to ya door

http://www.a1showplates.com/

 

Not true, most insurers specify all sorts of bizarre exceptions, non-OEM undeclared modifications aside, the insured car being road legal is not one of them. (after all, would they void your policy if you had a brake-light out?, or were driving with fogs on?, of course not) and a small number plate is just about the only thing that is not a modification to the car.



If you can find ANYTHING in your policy stating any different, let us know.

 

there doesn't seem to be any law on the size of plate. Only the size/font/spacing of letters.
so as long as they are right, you can cut down or have a smaller plate. it's 11mm min gap from the edges.

 

Here you go, motorcycle/import size letters (just measured them, 63mm high) I just used a fine toothed wood saw to trim the plate followed up with sanding the edges down with 320 grit, then 400 grit. Make sure the four corners are radiused!





Hit, nail and head

 

The requirements for number plates are that there is now, only one type of font which is prescribed. The registration plate must be in the prescribed font or be substantially similar to the font so that the characters are easily distinguishable. This means that you cannot use italic fonts or broken strokes or basically anything that would make the appearance of the number plate substantially different (which includes using letter spacing which does not comply with the regulations).
An example of the prescribed font can be seen on the related website
It is not permitted to use strategically placed bolts and screws to alter the letters or numbers on a registration plate.




You bad lad.

 

If you look closely, my screw does not touch the letter, therefore making it legal My other screw is also black and placed exactly mirror image to the other! (can't be seen as I've blanked off by the letter!) Its just where the screw holes are on the car officer, honest

 

Well after 3 years of having a 3/4 front plate I got pulled by the Police this morning about it, didnt get a fine, just told to sort it out.

So now looking for a new plate, seen the 16" x 4.5", wondering how that would be? I see Sivo has one on, digits look big enough, well bigger than my one.

 

16x4.4" will get you Legal letters/number sizes on the Plate

 

small front plate cut down to the size of the number plate holder, fancy plates .com. can make them to any size think mine is 12cmx 30cm

 

That is significantly better than mine which is as big as it can go really. I have spent a long time with it in my hands bending it so that it curves around with the front of the car. Not that you can tell from the photo but it does look much better than sticking out wide but wish I could have sit smaller.

 

yep they can look odd, I suppose you could try heating the number plate to help it bend into shape.

 

Hey guys anyone have the same probem as me I've just put my fifth front number plate on in a matter of months cause inconsiderate motorists use my front bumper as stopping point. Because it doesn't sit flush on the bumper it keeps getting hit. I've spoken to my local number plate shop who I've gotten to know really well are trying to source me a reinforced plastic so it can take the impact. I have a private reg and its a small plate but I have damage on the bumper too! Any ideas on a resolve? Apart from sleeping in the car with a gun!

 

Never had a problem with mine

Cut down with a jigsaw and wood blade