Number plate lights and the MOT

[Polo]

I cannot seem to find a suitably reputable source that says you MUST have a number plate light or whether, if one is fitted, it MUST work.

My bike does not have one and wonder if I need to install one and if so - how did it pass the last MOT?

Thanks for any help.
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[Kickstart]

Hi

Here you go. Not the MOT requirements, but the requirements for them to be fitted:-

https://www.opsi.gov.uk/si/si1989/Uksi_19891796_en_4.htm#(Tiii)24requirementaboutusefrontrearpositionlamprearregistrationplatelampsidemarkerlampendoutlinemarkerlamp

Suggests you can get away without them during the day.

https://www.opsi.gov.uk/si/si1989/Uksi_19891796_en_20.htm#nsch15requirementrelatingobligatoryrearregistrationplatelamp

Says they are required for any vehicle first used after 1st April 1986 (and also the numberplate light must have an approval marking).

https://www.opsi.gov.uk/si/si1989/Uksi_19891796_en_6.htm#nschiobligatorylampreflectorrearmarkingdevice

Says they must be fitted (table 2 for bikes) with the only exemption being vehicles which do not need a registration plate.

So, although you might find a tester to pass it you can still be done for riding it without any approved numberplate illumination. Only exemption might be the fiddles to do with an MOT for a vehicle only used in daylight, which would require most of the other lights to be removed.

All the best

Keith
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[mr.z]

https://www.motuk.co.uk/mcmanual_110.htm
Oddly i can't see anything mentioning the plate lights apart from the link. Might be on there somewhere.

Why not just phone the place your taking it to and ask them?

As far as I'm aware you do need one, whether they'd notice or check is another thing (since plate lights are usually shite and in a reasonably well lit workshop you'd probably not see them)

edit: Also, what will pass an mot doesn't necessarily relate to what is actually legal. Were you stopped by some arsey traffic copper it gives him a perfect reason to fine you.
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[Ariel Badger]

If you have lights on the bike you need one but if the intended use is daylight only you do not but you will still need a brake light.
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Bikers make great organ donors, get 115 on your licence today.

[Ariel Badger]

I had a Land Rover fail an Mot on number plate light not being fitted.
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Bikers make great organ donors, get 115 on your licence today.

[Kickstart]

[Polo]

Thanks for the info. I will look to get one installed sooner rather than later.
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My mum smells your fingers