many many years ago (over 16 i'd guess)when you could ask the shop to alter the spacing on your no plate and no one seemed that bothered i had M5 5OUL on the car and no i'm not a vicar ,it was in the days when i spent my weekends with the wife going up and down the country to the weekenders and allnighters.Today my plates are 100% legal,but people still ask me where that plate is.