At 45 degrees, 1 m or 20m, the same amount will be obscured.[bigwhistle]
From the RMS
Number plates and labels - Registration - Roads - Roads and Maritime Services
Display of number platesNumber plates must be permanently fitted to vehicles in an upright position and parallel to the vehicle’s axles, and not more than 1.3 metres above ground level.
Number plates must not be obscured, defaced or otherwise not legible.
The numbers on number plates must be clearly visible from any point that is up to 20 metres from the number plate, and within an arc of 45 degrees from the surface of the number plate above or to either side of the vehicle.