UK number plate regulations

[Tomarse]

I'm fitting an LPG kit to the saab and want to fit a filler valve next to the numberplate.
Unfortunately my numberplate is slightly too big to allow this (by an inch or so) so i was wondering if i could fit a slightly smaller one to leave me space for the valve.

Ive been reading the DVLA guidelines, and just wanted to know if i have interpreted them correctly.

My current plate is a standard pre-sept 2001 spec one with letters are 57mm wide. (and the plate is 520mm long)

The spec for the post sept 2001 plates gives a letter size of 50mm - which would make the plate small enough (460mm long according to my calculations).

However, It also says that there is the 'euro plate', which has a GB symbol on it - which would loose me the extra space i wanted (the euro plate is 520mm long like my existing one). It does say that it is an 'option' though.

but I have never seen a new plate without the euro symbols on it. (they would be obviously smaller in width)

If i were to buy a new euro sytle plate, and then trim the euro symbol off the end (leaving the regulation 11mm of yellow at the edge) would this be legal?

I cant see any regulations about the overall size of the plate - so can't see why not but was wondering if anybody else knew anything?

[Si]

Tom, your prob best off popping down to your local MOT garage and asking them, half the cars on the road seem to be missing one or the other plates and i've never seen the police stop someone for it, i don't think they are really that bothered. When you go to get hte plate made up they should be able to advise you on the proper size, i asked last week about getting a shorter, 2 row plate last week, there was'nt any problem with it, maybe look at getting one like that.

[Matthew]

I think it's the spacing between the plate's letters/digits that is key. If the letters/digits are spaced out by at least the minimum then I doubt you'd have a problem.

I don't think the police give a toss anyway - I see sooooo many Kev'd cars with blatantly illegal (and very tacky I might add) registration plates. Script typeface anyone?

[Tomarse]

I think i'm just going to do it anyway. By my interpretation of those regulations i can do it.
I can't find anywhere better for the filler to go, and on the back by the bumper should look quite tidy.

I'm planning to use the correct spacing and typeface - which is all the rules seem to cover.
If someone does kick up a stink i will either have to have the original plate velcro'd on so i can remove it to fill up or rig up some hinges for it!

[Alex]

You could try going for a Japanese spaced plate (legal, though only on JDM cars ) and these are much shorter than standard UK plates.

[Mattlach]

Originally Posted by Alex

You could try going for a Japanese spaced plate (legal, though only on JDM cars ) and these are much shorter than standard UK plates.

Whats a JDM car?

[Jeremy R.]

JDM = Japanese Domestic Market

The Japanese license plates are exactly the same size as a US plate, but a little more unique looking with all the Kanji characters on them. I wish they'd let us use European plates in the US. I had one made up with my Washington State license plate numbers on them, but still got a ticket.

[DavidMorgan]

I can't remember on which car it was, probably US but not recent.. Anyway the filler cap was behind the back number plate! The back number plate was hinged with a spring so that you would hold it down to fill up, put the cap back and the plate would pop back up into place.

Just an idea

[MichSaab]

Yep, US cars used to have the rear plate on a spring so you'd lift the plate and that's where you'd fill the car with gas.

They have pretty much stopped doing that because of liability issues with rear end collisions hitting the filler tube and the tank bursting into flames. Tanks are now enclosed within crossmembers of the frame or covered for protection.

[Mattlach]

Originally Posted by MichSaab

Yep, US cars used to have the rear plate on a spring so you'd lift the plate and that's where you'd fill the car with gas.

They have pretty much stopped doing that because of liability issues with rear end collisions hitting the filler tube and the tank bursting into flames. Tanks are now enclosed within crossmembers of the frame or covered for protection.

Like exploding Ford Pinto's?

[Jezzadee]

Ooh, nice .

[Tomarse]

Originally Posted by Alex

You could try going for a Japanese spaced plate (legal, though only on JDM cars ) and these are much shorter than standard UK plates.

If you read those regulations i linked you are allowed to put non standard number plates on imported cars that dont have space for normal ones.

I could argue it came from sweden

[Penguin45]

Originally Posted by MichSaab

Yep, US cars used to have the rear plate on a spring so you'd lift the plate and that's where you'd fill the car with gas.

C'mon Tom - already suggested that in our forum....... You know it makes sense. You can keep the standard plate and no-one will ever know!

Penguin45.

[THE ANORAK]

Did you get the hinge look from the first generation Mini ? It allowed the number plate to be seen when driving with the boot open, this is a long time ago when policemen were over the age of 19 and didnt book you for the slightest misdemeanour!

[Willy Wonka]

Originally Posted by DavidMorgan

I can't remember on which car it was, probably US but not recent.. Anyway the filler cap was behind the back number plate! The back number plate was hinged with a spring so that you would hold it down to fill up, put the cap back and the plate would pop back up into place.

Just an idea

Get one from a 58 chevy impala! LOL

1/2 meter get a "piano" hinge and door closer spring. - Back to the future or "days of future past", as it may be.

[DavidMorgan]

Originally Posted by Willy Wonka

Get one from a 58 chevy impala! LOL

1/2 meter get a "piano" hinge and door closer spring. - Back to the future or "days of future past", as it may be.

You can find that at your local ships chandler

[900t]

Originally Posted by Mattlach

Like exploding Ford Pinto's?

No, the Pinto had it's fuel filler on the driver's side rear quarter panel (you can see it in the pic).

It was GM that was best known for the hidden gas fillers, starting on the 1949 Cadillac (hidden behind tailight). They never really had any problems with fires with the design...