Imported cars are one of the trickiest cases in UK plate law. A Nissan Skyline, Toyota Supra or Ford Mustang was designed for a plate shape that doesn’t match the long, slim UK standard. Here’s how to make it legal.
In this guide
Why imports need different plates
Japanese domestic market (JDM) cars usually have a near-square rear recess built for a 330 × 165mm Japanese plate. American cars use a 305 × 152mm (12 × 6″) plate. A standard 520mm UK plate either won’t fit at all or will overhang the bodywork.
The smaller-character allowance
The regulations recognise this. Where an imported vehicle’s plate space wasn’t designed for a standard UK plate, the plate can use smaller characters – 64mm tall – the same size as motorcycle plates, usually on two lines. That allows a legal registration to fit a JDM-sized plate.
Your supplier should only make 64mm-character plates for genuinely imported vehicles whose recess needs them.
Common import sizes
| Size | Common on | Legal with 64mm characters? |
|---|---|---|
| 330 × 165mm | Japanese imports | Yes – two lines |
| 330 × 178mm | Japanese imports with deeper recesses | Yes – two lines |
| 305 × 152mm | American imports | Often too shallow for legal margins |
| 520 × 111mm | Many European imports | Standard UK plate fits |
For US vehicles, measure the recess carefully: two lines of 64mm characters need about 163mm of height including margins, so a 152mm-high plate is often too small. Many owners fit an adaptor or a 330 × 178mm plate instead.
European imports
Most European cars have a recess close to the UK standard and take a normal 520 × 111mm plate. Some have a slightly shorter recess where a short legal plate works well – see short and hex plates.
Front plates on imports
Many imports have no front plate mount. You’ll need a bracket or a stick-on plate at the front – sticky pads work well on smooth bumpers (see how to fit number plates).
Frequently asked questions
Can I put a Japanese-style plate on my imported car?
You can use the Japanese plate size, but it must be a UK plate: your UK registration, legal font, black characters on reflective white or yellow, and BS AU 145e marking.
Are smaller characters allowed on any car?
No. The 64mm character allowance is for imported vehicles whose plate space was designed for a different plate size.
What size plate does a Nissan Skyline take?
Most JDM Skylines and similar cars take a 330 × 165mm plate at the rear. Always measure your own recess first.
Do I need documents for import plates?
Yes – the same as any road-legal plate: ID and proof of entitlement such as the V5C.
