If you own, or have seen, a Japanese Import Car, you've probably heard of the term JDM Number Plates. But what exactly are JDM Number Plates and are they legal?
In this guide we will run through what JDM Plates are, whether they can be used in the UK and how to purchase one.
JDM stands for Japanese Domestic Market. It covers cars, parts and styles made for Japan's market, which includes their number plates.
JDM plates are smaller than standard UK plates. The size fits Japanese cars like Nissan Skyline, Honda Integra or Toyota Supra. These cars have smaller spaces for number plates.
UK standard plates are 520mm x 111mm. JDM plates are usually 330mm x 178mm (13" x 7"). They look different to UK standard plates but are legal on Japanese Imported cars in the UK.
Yes, but only for Genuine Imports.
The DVLA allows smaller plates on cars that are imported and can't fit UK plates.
To use a JDM Number Plate your car must:
- Be an imported vehicle.
- Have no space for a UK-sized plate.
- Be registered correctly with the DVLA
If your car meets this criteria, you can legally fit import size plates with motorcycle-size characters (64mm tall and 44mm wide).
If your car does not fit the criteria, you must use standard UK plate sizes. Even if you like the look of JDM plates, it's not legal to fit smaller plates to UK models just for style.
