Number Plates? What's legal and whats not?

[MattWadz]

Quick question, I've always had legal plates on my bikes as I can't see the point in having an illegally small one, but what is the actual law on this?

Due to the end can I have fitted to my MTX125 it covers the number plate in 2 stroke oil, if I had one of those enduro/triangular style plates this would resolve the issue!

Anyone know the law on it please comment! Planning on ordering a new one tonight!


https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/NEW-DURABLE-DESIGN-KTM-EXC-ENDURO-MOTORCYCLE-FLEXI-REG-NUMBER-PLATE-/201074792692?pt=UK_Motorcycle_Parts&hash=item2ed0fdd8f4


Something like this would sort the problem, surely if the numbers are the right size and spaced correctly and readable from the rear of the vehicle I shouldn't have a problem?


Thanks
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[stinkwheel]

Pretty sure they aren't legal. Maybe on an enduro bike I suppose because they have special rules for a lot of parts.

You could fit your current one off to one side slightly, it doesn't have to be square in the middle of the bike.

EDIT: It's illegal to have a new one made up now but bikes made before 2001 were sometimes fitted with a three line numberplate. Standard size but in a "portrait" orientation.

Quite how the police/vopsa would be able to tell WHEN such a plate was made, given there was no requirement to have the name of the person who made the plate on it back then, is something of a mystery to me.

I'm also interested in if an ANPR system is equipped to recognise a 3-line plate which is why I've *ahem* dug out the old one my current, pre-2001 bike came fitted with and not had a new one made up by a guy on ebay at all.
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[davebike]

The plate has to use full size numbers and letters with an >11mm border all the way round this means anything but a full sized plate is illegal , weather anyone will bother is another mater !
MOT may be a problem Keep your full sized
If stopped don't argue agree to refit standard plate and do so don't put the little one back for some time )

Many cops call small plate " nick me " plates

Dave
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Dave
NC750Xdct + others at work !
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[MattWadz]

Yeah thanks guys I've heard about the 11mm between each letter and around each letter before! Maybe il get one and see what happens, after all I do have a genuine reason for using a smaller plate, and an mtx is an enduro style bike, and also I couldn't possibly have it offset as it annoy me so much, think I have a small amount of OCD haha!


Il order the most legal sized one possible and let you know!

If anyone else cares to chip in with what they know of this law I'd also appreciate it!


____________________
Pitbike x2, Mini Moto x4, China Quad, 02' Suzuki AP50 > 03' MBK Nitro > 86' Suzuki GP100 > 02' Yamaha Jog R > 57' Honda Lead 100 > 95' Piaggio ZIP Rst 50 > 51' Suzuki TS50x > 83' Honda CB125TDE Twin > 51' Yamaha Aerox > 98' Kawasaki KX60 > 89' Yamaha DT50MX > 80's Honda QR50 > 05' CG clone > 125cc China Pitbike > 91' Honda MTX125 RW-L > 09' Peugeot Speedfight 2 LC LR > Lucky MX 140cc > Apache Tomahawk 50 Quad (current = 2010 Yamaha WR125R

[waffles]

I rode with that size and style plate on my xr but that was when I actually took it off road. I did look into it and for Enduro bikes or a certain age I think you are allowed a three line plate rather than a two line. I would have to check that one though.

So long as you plate is not stupidly tiny and you don't ride like a knob past police you should be ok with a slightly smaller plate, that type would stick out on the road straight away but it's up to you if you want to give it a go.
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Theory test - 19/8/09, CBT - 11/10/09, MOD 1 - 16/8/10, MOD 2 - 27/10/10
Past rides Yamaha XT125X, Triumph TT600, Honda XR250
Current rides Suzuki GSXR 600, Honda MSX125

[Andy_Pagin]

It's definitely illegal. Even the Ebay seller states clearly that it's not for highway use.

Briefly...

The British Standard requires each
number plate to be permanently and legibly marked with
the following information:

The British Standard number (currently BS AU 145d);
The name, trade mark or other means of identification
of the manufacturer or component supplier; and the name and postcode of the supplying outlet.

3-line plates are illegal.
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[MattWadz]

Okay, maybe it isnt actually worth the risk, possibly if i put a 9x7 plate on, or 9x6.5 and mounted it right up behind the rear light the exhaust gases would go underneath?

something like this? needs to be flexible though as about 30% of my riding is offroad
____________________
Pitbike x2, Mini Moto x4, China Quad, 02' Suzuki AP50 > 03' MBK Nitro > 86' Suzuki GP100 > 02' Yamaha Jog R > 57' Honda Lead 100 > 95' Piaggio ZIP Rst 50 > 51' Suzuki TS50x > 83' Honda CB125TDE Twin > 51' Yamaha Aerox > 98' Kawasaki KX60 > 89' Yamaha DT50MX > 80's Honda QR50 > 05' CG clone > 125cc China Pitbike > 91' Honda MTX125 RW-L > 09' Peugeot Speedfight 2 LC LR > Lucky MX 140cc > Apache Tomahawk 50 Quad (current = 2010 Yamaha WR125R

[MattWadz]

Ended up ordering a flexible 9x7 plate, which is road legal according to the ebay advert, should hopefully clear my exhaust if i mount it up higher!

thanks all!


____________________
Pitbike x2, Mini Moto x4, China Quad, 02' Suzuki AP50 > 03' MBK Nitro > 86' Suzuki GP100 > 02' Yamaha Jog R > 57' Honda Lead 100 > 95' Piaggio ZIP Rst 50 > 51' Suzuki TS50x > 83' Honda CB125TDE Twin > 51' Yamaha Aerox > 98' Kawasaki KX60 > 89' Yamaha DT50MX > 80's Honda QR50 > 05' CG clone > 125cc China Pitbike > 91' Honda MTX125 RW-L > 09' Peugeot Speedfight 2 LC LR > Lucky MX 140cc > Apache Tomahawk 50 Quad (current = 2010 Yamaha WR125R

[map]

[Mudshark]

[Fladdem]

You are allowed a three line plate on motorcycle registered before September 2001, so it would be fine on your MTX. What I have taken to doing, because my TTR melts plates, is just fitting a plate on top f the old one, so the old one gets melted and covered in mud and ruined, while the new one stays legal.

It used to have one the size of a postcard, but it looked ridiculous and I kept getting worried the police would tell me off.

EDIT: THE RULES CHANGED! MUST BE TWO LINES, JUST LOOKED IT UP! DO NOT LISTEN TO PREVIOUS ANSWER!
____________________
Current:1991 Honda MT50 (Soon to be a H100/MTX/MT5 hybrid), 1976 Honda Cub C70, 2005 Honda Varadero 125, 1993 Yamaha TTR250 Open Enduro , 2010 Road Legal Stomp YX140, 1994 Honda CRM 250 MK III, 1999 Cagiva Mito 125, 1992 Honda CB400 Super Four, Stomp T4 230, 1984 Honda H100s, 2009 Sym XS125K
Past:2003 Aprilia RS125, 1982 Kawasaki GPZ550(FREE BIKE!)
I'm having more fun than a well-oiled midget.

[Chalky.]

What's the difference in penalty between riding with an illegal plate and not riding with one at all (assuming perverting course of justice doesn't stick)?

[stinkwheel]

[berzerker]

After 2001 it was a legal requirement to have the BS marking or the plate makers name/postcode on the plate. Although it is still possible to get a plate made up without these marks the general rule would be that if you cant see them then its a pre 09/2001 plate.
Also any plate made before 09/2001 wouldn't use the new size letters/numbers (they changed from 89mm x 64mm to 79mm x 57mm).
I'm off for a cheese sandwich and some weak lemon drink now.

[smithyithy]

I still find it ridiculous that 1-line plates are illegal.. What if you have a 4, 3, or even 2 digit registration?

[Mudshark]

[matto]

[dydey90]