New number plates

[firebobby]

Just ordered a couple of off E-Bay...£20.00! I think they look quite smart. Probably not strictly legal but!!!
regards
dave

[Gary]

I don't think you'd get through and MOT with them though

[firebobby]

Err! why not Gary? Standard size plate! standard size lettering! Legal highlite lettering!! Plus...............................I have known my mot tester since he was a baby So I have no doubts it will pass an MOT.
regards
dave

[Gazza]

Lotus badge is not allowed.

[firebobby]

Hmm! In that case I refer the gentleman to second part of my reply...
Dave

[Gary]

It was the background I was refering too, but given your circumstances you may get away with it

[firebobby]

Ah! yes the HEX background. I just thought that set the plate off well. To be honest I think as long as the number is clearly ledgible, the chances of being pulled would be slim. But watch this space
dave

[dapinky]

There is a difference in the legislation applicable to MOT standard for index plates, and Legality for road use

This comes about as specification for Index plates come from the 'Road Vehicle Registration and Licencing Regulations'. 'Road Vehicle Construction & Use Regulations' and 'Vehicle Lighting Regulations'.

As if keeping the right side (acceptable side?) off the law isn't difficult enough at the best of times!!!!

Basically, in order to satisfy the MOT test, the only requirement is the actual fitting location, height and angle of the plate, and that they have to comply with BS145(a).
BS145(a) only relates to the 'reflectivity' of the background material of Retro-reflective plates (as fitted in UK since 01/07/1973) - for a plate to conform, not only doeas it have to comply with the BS, but there HAS to be the BS145(a) logo in black on the plate itself (usually just under the last digit of the index number).

The size, shape etc of the lettering is not part of the MOT test. (unless it's really stupid so it can't be read).

However, just because it is MOT passable, the other regulations state that the letters WILL be of a certain script/size/spacing.

Things to be aware of:-

1. If Plod stops you and says your plate is illegal, you may get offered a Vehicle Defect Rectification Notice (14 day Mender) - this gives you a maximum of 14 days to get the car repaired and presented at ANY MOT testing station. As long as the noted defect is satisfactorily repaired, they stamp the ticket, you post it off to plod, and that is the end of the matter, if you fail, you get a day in Magistarates Court!
However, as stated, you COULD get a ticket for illegal spacing of the letters/numbers, but as long as it is BS145(a) compliant, the MOT station HAVE TO stamp it up as "legal" as it reaches MOT requirements and you avoid prosecution

2. If the same Plod stops you again, he'll probably think you're taking the pi$$ and give you a £30 Non Endorsable fixed penalty notice, even though you've complied with the 'legality' of the scheme (but not really the spirit of it).

3. If you have a Cherished Number on your car, and you deliberately mis-space or 'alter' the script to make it read as something else (Specky - are you reading this ) there is an option for the DVLA to take the number off you, without having to give you a penny for it, and issue you a normal age-related one.
Now, we all know that this doesn't happen (very often), and a common sence approach is usually applied.
That said, I've had a few numbers rescinded by DVLA 'cos the 'Boy Racer' has taken the pi$$ in extreme circumstances On one occasion, the little darling lost a plate that his mum had paid £3500 for

Most of us adopt the policy that if it can be read and understood with a bit of thought, then it is okay(ish), and words of advice are usually enough to get it changed enough to keep everyone happy.
Eg, the odd white/yellow/black screw isn't a major problem to make a 4 or an 8 into an 'A', a 7 into a 'T' etc etc, and often a 5 can look like an 'S', but when you get some that you can't make head nor tail of, we get a bit upset.

Lastly, your mate at the MOT testing station MAY be prepared to give you a ticket with a duff plate on, but if we find out, then he will lose his licence to test vehicles, and his boss can get a visit which culminates in him being out of business for 14 days on first offence - i know it may sound harsh, but the VOSA take a dim view of rule bending as it shows a level of dishonesty. Conversely, if they miss a critical safety fault on a vehicle, then they usually only get words of advise as everyone makes mistakes - as long as it is done honestly

[GeoffSmith]

Don't they need the name and number of the manufacturer as well?

[Monty]

Ah! yes the HEX background. I just thought that set the plate off well. To be honest I think as long as the number is clearly ledgible, the chances of being pulled would be slim. But watch this space
dave

Think you`ll find there`s not much correct with that plate and if you use the Elan as an everyday drive it won`t be long before your pulled by the Plod.

[dapinky]

Don't they need the name and number of the manufacturer as well?

Bloody smarty-pants

But not really............

There is another set of Regulations which state that the name and contact details of the SUPPLIER should be on the plate - but this only applies to plates purchased since those Regs came in, and it can't be enforced, as you could argue that they were old plates you put on the car and there is no date-stamp on 'em to prove the point - hence, the Official Policy is "don't worry about it"

(That's why i hadn't mentioned it earlier!)

[firebobby]

Hmm!! Don't they now have to have the post code of the place that made the plate? The elan is only used on fine days. As I intimated the plate is clearly ledgible. Also I'm prepared to take the risk as it does look good on the car. I would never ask my mot tester to do anything illegal. If I get stopped I'll put the legal ones on take it for test and the replace them again after. My fault then entirley if I get a £30.00er worst things happen at sea. Don't wish to tempt fate (or risk a phone call to the local nick from dapinky!) but I have never been stopped in 32 years of driving.
regards
dave

[dapinky]

Don't wish to tempt fate (or risk a phone call to the local nick from dapinky!)

No phone call necessary - my brother runs your local Road Policing Unit

[theelanman]

before this develops into another slangin match....please keep comments valid

[Gary]

[firebobby]

OK! sounds good to me..
Dave

[dapinky]

Gareth,

You are quite correct, please accept my appologies - rest assured, I will now desist from adding any comments to certain threads in the public domain which are intended as being helpful, but are perhaps seen as being childish, arguementative, or just nasty.

However, if anyone else wants my advice, they may well get it

[ailwyn]

comments to certain threads in the public domain which are intended as being helpful

my brother runs your local Road Policing Unit

Ah, I see... which tickets exactly can he get people out of?

Play nice please, let's all endeavour to keep this a place where everyone is welcome and can express opinions without retaliatory flaming.

[firebobby]

So my new plates, think they'll look good on my garage wall?
Dave

[dapinky]

Okay, in a bid to keep everyone happy, and still be helpful........

In my first post i was merely quoting the relevant legislation, and the 'common' interpretation of the workings of it.

I cannot be responsible for individual actions, either by the plate supplier, user, or viewer.

If you want to fit the plates, then by all means, as long as they can be seen to comply with the 'reasonable interpretation' of the legislation, that is your choice.

If, however, you do something to attract attention to yourself and Local Plod gets upset, that is not my issue.

A number of people on here have plates which are for 'Show Purpose Only' and get attached to the car once it is at the venue, and are not used on the road, others take the 'I'll risk it' approach, either for the day, or as a permanent fixture.

On a personal level, i can see the appeal of such plates, but would not fit them to my car for two reasons:-

1. I just don't like them.
2. It wouldn't be a good image to portray when i got to work.

Rest assured, unless the driver of a car with those sort of plates did something to upset me on the day, i would let them drive on by without a second glance, but it is an individual decision of what is 'important' at the time.