L PLATES... Is it legal to cut the white edges off?

MrAndyD · Two Stroke Sniffer Joined: 15 Oct 2004 Karma :

Hi,

Bought a new bike, and the shop didnt put the l plate on the front. They said I could do that, and that i could cut it down to make it fit. Ive cut it down, but then thought, is this really legal, or will no one care much?

Thanks for your help in advance

Andy
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ITS ARRIVED! New Oct 2004 - Grey Speedfight 100cc ohhh yessss. And Ive passed the A2 test 1st December 2004. Bring it on!

Ste · Not Work Safe Joined: 01 Sep 2002 Karma :

No. Legally it has to be 7 inch square, and if per L plate which is not you can get 3 points and a £60 fine. If you're going to display them at all display them correctly as otherwise it is just like having a sign on your back informing the police that you're not legal.

The Tot · World Chat Champion Joined: 11 Jun 2004 Karma :

Having said that - you'll be taking a risk. All the ped-bois in college ride with cut down, mudguard mounted L-plates and a few have been stopped. I guess they were lucky that the cops didn't hassle them on that account. Many people still chose to do them with disregard for the law, but then again, it is mainly the kids that do them - i keep my L-plates legal size (gettin rid of them soon) because i don't want to attract unnecessary attention from mr Rozzer. It's one more reason for the police to nick you, and if you're a young aspiring rider, i'd use up your points WISELY (if there is such a thing) - not on some stupid L-plates
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The Tot 2019 Z1000SX - 2007 R1
Never argue with autism

G · The Voice of Reason Joined: 02 Feb 2002 Karma :

Ste · Not Work Safe Joined: 01 Sep 2002 Karma :

True, but having half an L plate gives them a clear reason to stop you and hassle you, but no L plate or a complete L plates doesn't leave any reason for them to stop you.

Villers · World Chat Champion Joined: 13 Sep 2004 Karma :

In some cases I think you need a bit of common sense. when I was learning on my RS125 a full size plate on the rear would catch the tyre and get trashed quite often. For the front, aside from sticking a full size one over my screen (not happening no way, no how) the only option was for it to be cut down and stuck on the plate. I never had any trouble from the police, not even a mention on the bikesafe outing or the easter egg run. Just use your common sense and leave 'some' white around the edges and you should be fine. Avoid those ones that hang off your front fork at all costs! Wink

Ste · Not Work Safe Joined: 01 Sep 2002 Karma :

It is strange that some people do have problems with their L plates magically falling off, or "it hits xyz so I can't put it back on" and yet others manage with no such problems. Laughing

mchaggis · World Chat Champion Joined: 10 May 2004 Karma :

8316 · Could Be A Chat Bot Joined: 08 Jul 2004 Karma :

[quote="mchaggis"]

ian_s · Nova Slayer Joined: 20 Jul 2004 Karma :

I only have a rear L plate and that has a bit missing from where the rear wheel caught it. The way I see it the copper would have to be watching you quite closely to notice that you only have one L plate on.

I ride sensibly, wear the right gear and am polite when stopped so should be able to look humble and get away with it. If not I only get 3 points as I can't afford 6 for L plates. It just means you have something obvious for them to have a go at you about, rather then them picking on you for something else!

I have always found the police are more interested in lecturing you on something rather than issuing penalities (just do not wind them up.)

My most recent run in with the police was only yesterday for no other reason than driving an old car (MK1 GTi). Sod was quite aggresive in the way he pulled me over as he cut a corner and as I slowed down to not clip him he cut the corner even tighter to block me. He basically called my car a shed and told me to disappear. I had just pulled away so had done nothing wrong, guess he just wanted to make his presence felt.

Villers · World Chat Champion Joined: 13 Sep 2004 Karma :

I think that taking your bike to do your test on is an exception mate! If you have to stick it onto your 'lil fairing make sure that its prominent and is full size. Take the advice of your local instructor before you show up at the test centre with a dodgy plate. Taking your test you have enough to worry about, without having to think about something as stupid as an hell plate.

mrchips · World Chat Champion Joined: 05 Mar 2004 Karma :

I took about an inch off each side of mine. Even when I've been pulled over I've never got anything said to me about it.