Is this some sort of number plate obfuscation device?

Car_54

Andy_L wrote: »

It can be. The regs are complex & based on the age of the vehicle & if the lights are meant as main beam, dipped headlights side or fog lights

As said, the regs are complex. What is for sure is that you couldn't mount them in the centre of the car using the item discussed in the thread.

Scrapit

I'll bite. In what way is this illegal? A bit naff maybe but not convinced it's illegal.

Car_54

Scrapit wrote: »

I'll bite. In what way is this illegal? A bit naff maybe but not convinced it's illegal.

Motor Vehicle Lighting Regs 1989: various schedules. Fog lamps and running lamps must be fitted no more than 400mm from the side of the vehicle.

seatbeltnoob

Car_54 wrote: »

It's not for obfuscation. It fits behind the number plate, so that you can mount (probably illegal) extra lights on it, as well as injuring pedestrians.

LOL, Dont know why your presumed it was supposed to go on top of the plate. If someone was going to to do that they may as well just cover their plate with masking tape.



I meant the use of a bright light so close to the plate, when you have a bright light it overpowers everything around it and you can't see the the things next to it very well.


You see it on police videos sometimes, when the police dont want to be filmed, the point their torch at the camera and you cant make out the police officers face.


This could have the same effect on speed cameras as well as for the naked eye of any witnesses.

sevenhills

Car_54 wrote: »

Motor Vehicle Lighting Regs 1989: various schedules. Fog lamps and running lamps must be fitted no more than 400mm from the side of the vehicle.

Having seen various cars on the road with various types of lights, perhaps that reg has been superceded by new regs, for instance ...



The Road Vehicles Lighting (Amendment) Regulations 2017

Car_54

sevenhills wrote: »

Having seen various cars on the road with various types of lights, perhaps that reg has been superceded by new regs, for instance ...



The Road Vehicles Lighting (Amendment) Regulations 2017

There has been a number of amendments over the years, but AFAIK those particular requirements haven't been changed.

Car_54

seatbeltnoob wrote: »

LOL, Dont know why your presumed it was supposed to go on top of the plate.

I didn't. Quite the opposite in fact.

Andy_L

Car_54 wrote: »

Motor Vehicle Lighting Regs 1989: various schedules. Fog lamps and running lamps must be fitted no more than 400mm from the side of the vehicle.

Optional/extra Main beam only lights don't have that restriction

Scrapit

Andy_L wrote: »

Optional/extra Main beam only lights don't have that restriction

So not illegal then. Not a surprise cos i have had vehicles with standard fitment similar to those in the link.

Richard53

Scrapit wrote: »

So not illegal then.

AFAIK, the only restriction on additional driving lights is that they must either

a) have a tell-tale warning light in a position visible to the driver, or

b) be wired to come on and off with main beam automatically.