number plate question
 

OK - they say that the only stupid questions are the ones that you dont ask

so here goes....

I am looking at doing something with the, frankly, butt ugly rear light on my bike

I have seen quite a few bikes with the rear plate fitted right underneath the seat, almost as far back as where the swinging arm joins the frame

My question is, how legal is this?? I'm assuming that its ok as long as the plate is illuminated correctly and isnt obscured.

That said, I assume women fancy me when they smile at me (apparently its just wind, or sympathy, or both)

Have a read of this http://www.opsi.gov.uk/si/si2001/20010561.

If it is within the letter of the regulations then you really must appeal, even if you've paid the fine.

One thing I did learn doing my IAM training, the Police interprite the law, when the only people in this country (UK) who are qualified to do that are Judges - things then become case law . They have no more right to decide what is or osn't law than you do. Only difference is they have been educated a bit better. Anyway, here's an example for you;

I was stopped by a normal police car, in town for overtaking on a zebra crossing whilst all the traffic was stationary. The office came up with a RTA quote to support his accusation. It was only when I pointed out that I wasn't overtaking, I was filtering as my speed was only 5mph over ambient speed, and the the traffic was stopped becasue of road conditions, not because someone was waiting to cross that he faultered. Then I quoted the Highway code, and then produced the highway code to support my defence. He attempted to 'let me off with a warning', but I refused this also and again stated my case. In the end he had little to go on and drove off with his curly tail between his gammon's. A traffic Officer wouldn't have bothered me.

The point is, if you have a plate that is 'odd' but it is within the letter of the law, then make sure you know the script and defend yourself there and then.

In the past I have also been stopped for 'overtaking on the white line', same old story, it's not illegal to overtake, it is illegal to cross or straddle - these are subtle differences, but the same stands true for any part of the RTA. If you are going to push the limit then make sure you know the limit - word for word!

Reading the regulations for the number plate location, the police or VOSA could argue (if you place the plate under the rear end) that the plate isn't on the rear of the bike and therefore isn't legal. They could also argue that it's not visible from an obscure angle, or that it's obscured by dirt (you only have to go through a puddle for this to be true).

Under English law, it's only law if it say's you must or must not do something, if it doesn't say either then you don't/do have to do it!

I got tugged in central London the other day. Good cop & bad cop. Bad cop was all miffy about the small 9&1.5 plate. Good cop shooed him away, no fines being dispensed, and gave me the following kindly advice:

"say you've just been riding off-road and haven't put the street plates back on yet - you'll get a more sympathetic hearing"

for what it's worth, I give you that gem.