Number Plate Sizes Explained: Standard, Short and Motorcycle
By RegXperts
Choosing the right plate size is one of the easiest things to get wrong — and one of the easiest to get right with a little guidance. Here's the rundown.
Standard car size
The familiar long, slim plate fitted to most UK cars. If your vehicle has a standard rectangular plate recess, this is almost certainly what you need for both front and rear.
Short plates
A more compact backing for the same registration. Short plates suit vehicles with a smaller plate area, imports designed for square plates, or drivers who prefer a tighter look. Because the backing is shorter, they suit registrations with fewer characters.
Motorcycle plates
Bikes use a smaller, squarer rear plate and don't display a front plate. Motorcycle plates have their own sizing so the registration sits correctly within the available space.
How to pick the right size
Measure your vehicle's plate area, or check what's currently fitted. Then match it to the size options when you order. If your registration is long, make sure the size you choose has room for every character.
Get it right first time
Unsure which size fits? Send the RegXperts team your vehicle details and registration, and we'll confirm the correct size before your plate goes into production.