Discover UK’s Best Number Plate Styles Today

Looking to upgrade your number plate? Whether you want a futuristic edge, a luxurious finish, or a compact display for your private reg, the UK plate market has something for every taste. From 4D 3MM number plates to Hex number plates, and from short number plates to personalised options, drivers are no longer settling for standard.

Today’s number plates have evolved into more than just vehicle identification—they’re a statement of style and individuality. Whether you’re in the market for a bold 4D Gel plate, a space-saving short plate, or a striking 4D Neon Show Plate, this guide breaks down everything you need to know. We’ll also introduce you to Aplates, one of the UK’s most respected number plate manufacturers known for design, compliance, and quality.

A Quick Look at Modern Number Plate Options

Let’s begin with a bird’s-eye view of today’s most popular number plate types in the UK:

• 4D 3MM Number Plates – Sleek, layered, and road-legal

• Hex Number Plates – Unique, geometric, and attention-grabbing

• 4D Gel Number Plates – Glossy, high-end finish with premium depth

• 4D Neon Number Plates – Vibrant, show-stopping plates for events

• Square Number Plates – Ideal for 4x4s, imports, and motorcycles

• Short Number Plates – Clean, custom-sized plates for shorter regs

• Small Number Plates – Proportional plates that fit smaller spaces

• Personalised Number Plates – Make your reg truly yours

These styles aren’t just about looks—they also reflect the evolution of car culture in the UK. Learn more about how vehicle registration design has changed over time by exploring the history of UK number plates.

The Rise of 4D Number Plates in the UK

Let’s start with one of the biggest design upgrades: 4D 3MM Number Plates. These offer a sharp, laser-cut finish using acrylic characters raised to a precise 3mm height. The result? Bold contrast and a professional edge that stands out on any vehicle.

Looking for a splash of colour or something a bit more dramatic? 4D Neon Number Plates are growing in popularity among show car owners and event exhibitors. These plates use coloured gels to deliver a standout look—but remember, they're strictly for non-road use.

For a fusion of depth and gloss, consider the 4D Gel Number Plates. Their domed resin finish adds luxury without compromising visibility.

Or, if you want the same high-end effect in a more streamlined format, check out 4D Gel 3MM Number Plates. These offer a subtle lift while maintaining a modern edge.

Geometric and Tough: The Bold Look of Hex and Square Plates

Not into 3D or gel styles? Go angular. Hex Number Plates introduce a six-sided shape that breaks away from the classic rectangle. Popular among custom car communities and off-roaders, these plates are both legal and unique.

Then there are Square Number Plates. Commonly used on 4x4s, trucks, and imports, these squarer dimensions align with certain recesses and vehicle styles. While not flashy, they provide a neat, proportional fit that standard plates often fail to deliver.

Compact, Clean, and Tailored: Why Drivers Love Short Plates

If your registration number is shorter than the usual 7 characters, it might be eligible for a short number plate. These are perfect for drivers who want a cleaner look or own a smaller vehicle, like a motorbike or sports car.

But let’s clarify something: a short plate doesn’t mean just chopping off the ends of a standard one. It’s professionally trimmed and centred to keep the DVLA-approved format while enhancing visual balance.

Some drivers also use the term short reg plates or shortened number plates—all pointing to the same trend of tailoring your plate to suit your car’s lines and your personal style.

Not All Small Plates Are Short Plates

Sometimes you’ll hear small number plate mentioned interchangeably with short plates—but technically, they’re a bit different. A small plate can refer to reduced dimensions for motorcycles or imports. These are scaled down not just in width, but in height too.

Make sure you check the UK number plate size in inches to ensure you're within legal dimensions. For example, a standard UK car plate measures around 20.5 x 4.4 inches. If your reg has fewer characters, the plate can legally be made shorter in width, but height rules still apply.

Express Yourself with Personalised Number Plates

Nothing adds a personal touch to your ride quite like a personalised number plate. You could showcase your initials, a nickname, or even a clever pun that gets people talking. But there’s more to it than style.

A personalised plate is also a long-term investment. Rare registrations often appreciate in value, especially the shorter ones.

The DVLA oversees all custom reg sales in the UK. If you're looking for official and fully legal options, you can explore a range of DVLA personalised number plates through trusted sellers like Aplates.

And if you're ready to enhance your car’s identity, now is a perfect time to buy a personalised number plate and make your mark.

Why Aplates Is the Smart Choice for UK Drivers

So, what makes Aplates stand out in a crowded market of plate manufacturers?

• ✅ DVLA-registered manufacturer – Your plates are 100% road-legal (unless you choose a show plate).

• ✅ Limitless customisation – Choose fonts, sizes, finishes, and layouts that suit your vision.

• ✅ Rapid delivery – Most orders are processed and shipped in just a few days.

• ✅ Transparent customer support – Real people, real answers.

• ✅ Over 60,000 happy customers – Across the UK, Aplates is a go-to name for premium number plates.

Whether you're opting for a futuristic Hex plate, a minimalist short plate, or an extravagant Neon show design, Aplates is your one-stop shop for quality, compliance, and creativity.

Final Thoughts: Your Perfect Plate Is Waiting

From angular Hex Number Plates to sleek 4D Gel finishes, today’s number plate options cater to every personality and vehicle type. Shortened formats, square shapes, neon tints, and personalised touches are all part of a new wave of automotive expression in the UK.

And with