Number plates is a touchy subject with some of my colleages!
I work in a Government Organisation providing a 24/7 public service protecting life and property ( you can work that one out for yourself ! )
Just over 12 months back a new law was stipulated regarding number plates, any new plate produced from a dealer, car shop etc must be of the standard size and MUST have the name AND postcode of the company who made the plate for you. The company must also keep records which will be checked by bodies such as DOT/DVLA
There was also a debate regarding the euro logo on the plate -especially if you wanted SCO (scotland) to emphasise your own Country. Personally i have SCO along with St Georges flag on mine which is legal meantime but still under debate by the Commons. With all due respect, i dont give a shit what Tony Blair says is right or wrong - its a flaming number plate with my Countrys flag on it, big deal. Its not racist. The commons wants everyone to be British, not English or Scottish.
One thing that will get you pulled by the boys in blue is plates that have weird shaped letters that are difficult to read and private plates where the letters are spread about to augment a name !
In regards to smaller plates on Jap imports - im not sure, but i will look into that one.
Hope these brief details are helpful.
Keith