Number plate dilemma

[BOBAD]

Hi all, I'm having a problem with my number plate and would welcome your comments....

Today I took my 2001 GS1150 in for an MoT test and although it passed I was given an advisory that the backing plate was illegal as it did not conform to a standard plate size of 9" x 7". Every other dimension and measurement including the plate manufacturer's info and kitemark, the fonts, and the all-important space between the numbers and the edge of the plate, were correct; it was only the fact that the plate wasn't 9 x 7 that was the problem.

I have only 1s, a 4 and a U in the make-up of the number and it is considered a "4 character" number and fits on two lines. There are no symbols or "GB" stickers of any kind.

Here's the rub............When I called the plate manufacturer, a reliable and very helpful company called Craig's Plates, they assured me that the plate was legal ( I obviously supplied the correct documentation when I ordered it) and that there was no such thing as a "minimum-sized" plate, and provided the dimensions as stipulated by the regulations were adhered to, then the mechanic was wrong to issue an advisory. They suggested that he call them on Monday to discuss the issue and were adamant that the MoT manual did not stipulate a "minimum size plate" except in the case of the new-type numbers which also must fit on two lines.

So the situation is that Craig'sPlates, who have made up over 50,000 plates the same size as mine in the past few years, say one thing, and the MoT tester says another.

Any clues from your experience in this matter?

 

[Urban Rider]

Hi Bobad,

There is a requirement to have the correct sized plate but I am unsure what it is. It's probably worth dropping a line to the DfT here:

http://www.dft.gov.uk/vosa/contactus/contactus.htm

They should be able to clarify things for you....

 

[motobiker]

An advisory is meaningless untill your next mot.

Might be worthwhile getting a full size for then... until the next MOT. I'ld just ride the thing. And don't use the same plonker again. I have a slightly illegal plate.. 8x6 and its never been commented on.

 

[RIXTER]

plates

7x5 for me everytime for me fella.

 

[Wrigsby1]

I got "numberplate condition" (yellow is coming unstuck) and a worn rear disc advisory last time. Oh, it due up in a fortnight, it'll probably be same again.

I cut the edges off mine and no-one has mentioned it yet. I think "advisories" are like the last word you always let a member of your local constabulary have...

In bullshit speak an MOT+Advisory is probably a classic "Win-Win"

 

[Wrigsby1]

Ha F'ing ha... Clever tw** alert as I bump to earth arse first.

Just been failed for just "number plate condition" due to peely yellow. 25 miles from home at only bike MOT place in Shetland. No f'ing reg doc for new plate at only supplier in Shetland. I'm such a clever tw**

Must be tightening up. Same fella, same smile only wrong colour sheet

He said he recently had to get new one for his tractor

Mr Morale of Story says "fix f'ing number plate"... ... ...

 

[elevensies]

didnt realise a bike could fail on condition of numberplate, as its not a structural or mechanical part of the vehicle

same as exhaust noise? there is no law on Db levels

or am i wrong, could you challenge a failed mot?

 

[motobiker]

REGISTRATION PLATES AND VIN* (Vehicle Identification Number)

For registered vehicles the plate must be:
• Present
• Secure
• Not faded, dirty or obscured
• Be composed with correctly formed letters and spacing

The VIN number must be
• Permanently displayed
• Consistent · Legible.

* Required on all vehicles first used on or after 1st August 1980.


on exhausts it says:

EXHAUST SYSTEM

The decibel level will be assessed at the discretion of the tester, other checks are:

The exhaust mountings must be secure and not fouling any part of the rear suspension
The exhaust must not be holed and free from leaks from both joints and box(es)
Replacements units, other than bikes registered before 01.Jan.1985, must have the BSAU 193 stamp


I would imagine the number plate condition is a (sorta) discressionary item.. its not a 'safety' issue.. so some testers may not be bothered.. whereas others will be. same goes for the sound of the exhaust.

 

[elevensies]

i stand corrected

so what is the legal Db level required, if its at the discretion of the tester, that must mean

they have a Db meter
they know its upper level
they wont get pulled if they pass all bikes under this level

odd one this

 

[motobiker]

i stand corrected

so what is the legal Db level required, if its at the discretion of the tester, that must mean

they have a Db meter
they know its upper level
they wont get pulled if they pass all bikes under this level

odd one this

I believe its 85Db.

race cans will be obviously 'LOUD' and of course lack the BSAU number...

If it 'sounds' loud to the tester he can fail it. Just as a copper can issue a (whatchamacallit) docket for a loud exhaust if he chooses.. its all discressionary.

some testers are obviously more anal about this than others.

 

[NeilDD]

I believe its 85Db.

race cans will be obviously 'LOUD' and of course lack the BSAU number...

If it 'sounds' loud to the tester he can fail it. Just as a copper can issue a (whatchamacallit) docket for a loud exhaust if he chooses.. its all discressionary.

some testers are obviously more anal about this than others.

My local tester in Cambridge says that if he can hear you coming from at least a mile away, then he takes a closer look
But if he winces when you pull up, then you know you're a little bit TOO loud

Neil

 

[Ed209]

I used to be a tester albeit for light vehicles and its a crappy job. You cant please all the people all the time springs to mind. Most of the manual read 'in the opinion of the tester' You have to try and use common sence, keep within the guidelines and keep customers too.

 

[DollyRocket]

I asked my man this very question this week - He said 'as long as he could read it from the standard distance AND it was reflective' it would pass. It comes down to each tester's discretion, if they think you're taking the P**s then it would fail.

It helps I s'pose that he is a clubman enduro rider at the weekends!

 

[BegesRus]

If you get a jobs worth MOT tester - you know used to work behind the Post Office Counter then i'm afraid your stuffed - he'll find something

 

[polecat]

Hi Bobad,

There is a requirement to have the correct sized plate but I am unsure what it is. It's probably worth dropping a line to the DfT here:

http://www.dft.gov.uk/vosa/contactus/contactus.htm

They should be able to clarify things for you....

There is no specified legal size for a number plate. However, all vehicles manufactured after 1 January 1973 must display number plates of reflex-reflecting material, white at the front and yellow at the rear for cars and yellow at the rear for motorcycles, with black characters. In addition, characters on number plates purchased from 1 September 2001 must use a mandatory typeface and conform to set specifications as to width, height, stroke, spacing, and margins. The physical characteristics of the number plates are set out in British Standard BS AU 145d, which specifies visibility, strength, and reflectivity.[1] The requirement for the front number plate on motorcycles was dropped in 1975.

Hope that's clearer

 

[waterloo700]

My local MOT tester has become paranoid about spot inspections of his work - as a result he has started to add "advisories" to cover his arse.

 

[Tarka]

There is no minimum size requirement for number plates.

There is no 'bike size plate' either.

The only legal sizing requirements refer to character height/width/stroke/spacing and also edge borders.

If you have a shorter index you can have a significantly smaller plate than what appears to be the norm.

The bollox and misconception about the 9 x 7 plates on bikes is because that`s the old stock size most Dealers have to allow for their names to be emblazoned across the bottom of them.

Simply have a look on the DVLA website for all the legal info you need and to inform the tester that he`s wrong.