Got pulled by the fuzz today. 33 bhp test passers take note!

[Ghost]

As soon as I clocked the marked up 5 series BMW parked in the petrol station I was passing I knew I was in trouble. New bike, fitted with a small numberplate, race can and a back tyre that's seen better days (new one in the post!) I knew I was in the wrong and it was a fair cop. Pulled out of the garage straight after me, and we played a gentle game of cat and mouse for a few miles of country roads, with me trying to get away without it looking like I was, and them stubbornly sticking with me.

Five minutes after the petrol station the blues came on and I pulled over into a layby. Cue friendly helloes, driving license handed over and bike getting closely inspected. The tyre, can and plate are all mentioned and I'm invited into the back of the car.

I'm expecting to get stuffed for all three, and bracing myself for the 3 points and £120 fine that I know is coming. However something a bit more serious is in line.

'So, what cc is that bike of yours?'
'600' I reply.
'Pretty quick that then I take it?'
'Yeah it goes alright, I've only had it a week or two so haven't tried it properly'

There's a pause, then;
'So what sort of power has a Ninja got these days?'
'About 100bhp, give or take a few'

A few more buttons are pressed on the computer, and then;

'Our records show you only have an entitlement on your license to ride up to 33 bhp, your license for that bike is only a provisional so you shouldn't be riding it. I'm afraid we're going to have to seize your vehicle and issue you a court summons, You do not have to say anything, but it may harm your defence if you do not mention when questioned something which you may later rely on in court.'

It took a good five or ten minutes for me to explain that as I had passed two years previously, my restriction period was up and I now had a full license. The policeman's understanding was that at the end of two years, I should have applied for an updated license with the restriction removed. Luckily for me, I explained this and they contacted the DVLA to clarify the situation. The DVLA explained that I was licensed and after 2 years your restriction is automatically removed, however this doesn't seem to be well known in police circles and I was quite close to getting my bike taken from me!

I'm only posting this in case someone else isn't as lucky as I am and doesn't get a pair of considerate coppers. These guys could have quite easily just taken my bike and not bothered checking in to my license, but luckily they didn't believe the computer totally. So if your 2 year restriction is up and your license still says <25kw on it, it would be a good idea to send your license in and get it removed as it's likely to cause a lot of hassle if you get pulled!

As it was I definitely got let off, with only an MOT producer, fine for the small plate and instructions to get the tyre and exhaust changed straight away. Could have been a lot worse!

[Flip]

You live in North Wales and have a small number plate.

[Ste]

That's pretty good really, they spent time talking bollocks about 33bhp and didn't give you tickets for the tyre, exhaust or number plate.

[D O G]

Do they actually have the power to seize the bike?

[DrDonnyBrago]

If you aren't riding within the terms of your licence then yes

[Ghost]

[UnspeedySam]

Thanks for the heads up. In a few years I'm sure this could be rather useful. Surely the DVLA should just automatically send you a new licence or at least a reminder after the two years...
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Riding: BMW R1150RT `02 bought mildly crashed
Fixing: Also the BMW as I get less broken bits
Gone: ZZR600 '00, TRX850 '97, RXS100 '93, JS125-6B '07, BMW R1100RS '93, Kawasaki ZX-6R-J2 '01, Honda Bros NT400 NC25 '88

[Ditto]

Thats stupid, i think they charge you for having the probabtion removed. £20 i think.

Ill definatley not be paying that when ill already be legal.

Surely though they can see the date you passed on the back of the licence, and take off 2 years to see you are legal?
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CG 125 > Bandit 600 > CBR 600 FY > Street Triple R

[ms51ves3]

[pepperami]

i passed my bike test in 1985, but i still went and checked it after reading this
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I am the sum total of my own existence, what went before makes me who I am now!

[c-m]

[Ghost]

[bEN_]

I've got a few months left on mine and i will not be sending it off, i don't trust the DVLA one bit.
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2010 Ducati 848 Dark

Lamp Post Enthusiast

[brooky]

[Ghost]

I dunno, I think these two guys were genuinely okay and the driver of the car mentioned he rode bikes himself. I was lucky either way, I like to think my helpful and polite attitude helped matters though. Still, it's taught me a lesson I won't forget so I'm gonna make sure my bike is always tip top from now on!

[T0MMY]

You can't say that on here; ALL of the police are ALWAYS complete bastards and they in no way act like bastards the more they perceive that you think they're bastards.
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ZX6R + CBR600RR

[Wafer_Thin_Ham]

I still have my 33bhp restriction, which expired two years ago.

I don't trust the DVLA not to "lose" my entitlements.

The police are welcome to seize my bike, but if I'm legal they can spin.
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[DrDonnyBrago]

[Vincent]

Why oh why do people have (come and pull me over),smaller number plates It never ceases to amaze me I presume they were confiscating the bike to have it tested on a dyno or similar

[qarka]

Do you think if they had seized your bike but you were later found to have done nothing wrong you would still have to pay the removal and storage fees? I wouldn't put it past them
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[smithy1219]

My 2 years is up today!!!So im taking note for future reference.

[That_Hornet]

[njd27]

[m0l0t0v]

[Vincent]