Further to reading a comment about the '99 bumper and the size of number plate I thought I'd investigate, here's what i found:

 

The Road Vehicles (Display of Registration Marks) (Amendment) Regulations 2002 SI No. 2687

 

Characher height = 65mm

Character width = 44mm (excluding 'I')

Stroke = 10mm

Verticle spacing between lines of characters = 5mm

Space between, top and lateral edges of plate = 5mm

Space between characters and bottom of plate = 13mm

 

So, that means you can make a very small plate indeed!

 

But, be prepared to fight if you get stopped because the regs state:

 

(a) does not have European Community Whole Vehicle Type Approval; and

 

(b) is so constructed that the area available for the fixing of the registration plate precludes the display on the plate of a registration mark in conformity with the requirements of regulation 14.

 

It's the 'and' bit that might scupper you if you get a pedantic copper because, correct me if I'm wrong, but there is adequte provision on a '99 front for a full sized UK spec plate. I know there isn't at the back on a J'spec I don't thing there's any argument there.

 

This still leaves you searching for a supplier to make up number plates, since Jan 1st they are all very reluctant to make up any plates that do not conform, strictly, to the UK regs, even to the point that I cann't but blanks to make up my own. But, there is an other option, the new regs on number plate makers and suppliers being registered do not apply to companies based in Scotland or Northern Ireland.

 

Hope this is of some interest

 

Tim

I used http://www.fancyplates.com (or was it .co.uk ?). They made the size plates I wanted and they were delivered within a day or so. Not the cheapest but very 'versatile' ! And they're based in Northern Ireland I think ....

I also used fancyplates and was impressed with the quality and "versatility" they offer.

In this months Japanese Performance mag,quote;"following the introduction of the new standardised format for number plates that came into effect last year,an amendment has just come into force which permits imported vehicles to use the smaller character size plates,similar to those used on motorcycles.This makes life easier for thosewho own grey imports with a number plate indent unable to accomodate a standard sized plate.Tha DVLA has allso tightened up on the background of number plates.They "must not incorporate any design,pattern,texture,or be treated in anyway which gives to any part of the plate the appearance of a design,pattern or texture";)