Number Plates and the Law?!

kayak83

I wasn't really sure where to post this, so I ended up in this section

I understand that now you are required to show proof of identity and proof of ownership when purchasing replacement numberplates for your car.

However, I have also come across some websites that sell 'showplates' and novelty number plates, but they also claim to be able to provide you with legal number plates without the need to show any documentation?! Is this legit??

I know I'm being lazy with not just going into Halfords, but hey if you can get it delivered for free why not? I'm just curious about the legal side. I thought the new laws were in place to stop people being able to create number plate that could be potentially used for crime.

any responses would be much appriciated.

Thanks

Night-owl_6

kayak83 wrote: »

I wasn't really sure where to post this, so I ended up in this section

I understand that now you are required to show proof of identity and proof of ownership when purchasing replacement numberplates for your car.

However, I have also come across some websites that sell 'showplates' and novelty number plates, but they also claim to be able to provide you with legal number plates without the need to show any documentation?! Is this legit??

I know I'm being lazy with not just going into Halfords, but hey if you can get it delivered for free why not? I'm just curious about the legal side. I thought the new laws were in place to stop people being able to create number plate that could be potentially used for crime.

any responses would be much appriciated.

Thanks

Not being funny here, but why wouldnt you go and get the plates from a car dealer if you had the documents and save yourself money?!
I personally find this a little odd to say the least, if you have the correct documents then go to a car shop and get them.
As to the answer to your question, I dont believe it is allowed, If you get plates from online your likely to find the spacing etc are not the correct legal limit and you could find you have other problems.

MinxyD

Hi,

I have private plates. Because i wanted to have mine spaced differently to what it actually reads a went to an ebay shop for mine, which were cheaper than going to Halfords and i didn't have t show documentation, i just had to say they were 'showplates'.

As far as i know, noone will bother you about whether they are legit or not as long as they are spaced properly and no 'illegal' screws (like mine!).

So, in answer to your query, as long as the font is readable on the numberplate it shouldn't make a difference if you get them from Halfords or online.

Night-owl_6

MinxyD wrote: »

Hi,

I have private plates. Because i wanted to have mine spaced differently to what it actually reads a went to an ebay shop for mine, which were cheaper than going to Halfords and i didn't have t show documentation, i just had to say they were 'showplates'.

As far as i know, noone will bother you about whether they are legit or not as long as they are spaced properly and no 'illegal' screws (like mine!).

So, in answer to your query, as long as the font is readable on the numberplate it shouldn't make a difference if you get them from Halfords or online.

I believe the plates you are talking about are highly illegal.
I strongly advise the OP to avoid online ordering of plates UNLESS they carry approve by the DVLA.

anewman

I wonder where the cheapest place to get legal plates done is. I would imagine Halfords would cost the most.

goldspanners

it depends on where you are in the country. in england or wales you will need to have the documents for the vehicle,if you are in scotland you do not, unless you use an english based company who's policy is the same either side of the border.
so if you go to a local car spares shop in scotland they can do it without the docs.

the plates have to be spaced properly,they also have to have the name of the place that made them or thier postcode on them,and at the bottom right hand side it must have the british standard number on it.

i got mine online and found them cheaper than going to halfords or the likes,but make sure the plate will have all of this on it or they will fail the next MOT or if you are really unlucky the police will pull you over for it,there isnt a fine for not having the BS number and post code yet,but it will come. i got pulled for speeding and they picked up on my plates aswell, illegal spacing,no BS number, no postcode,etc.. but as the other officer said "he is being very fussy we wouldnt normally pull you for just this".
but it was another inconvenience.

goldspanners

this is the place that done my legal plates.

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/car-caravan-trailer-number-plate-plates-4-95-ea-legal_W0QQitemZ350063326698QQcmdZViewItem?hash=item350063326698&_trkparms=72%3A12%7C39%3A1%7C65%3A12&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14

Night-owl_6

goldspanners wrote: »

it depends on where you are in the country. in england or wales you will need to have the documents for the vehicle,if you are in scotland you do not, unless you use an english based company who's policy is the same either side of the border.
so if you go to a local car spares shop in scotland they can do it without the docs.

the plates have to be spaced properly,they also have to have the name of the place that made them or thier postcode on them,and at the bottom right hand side it must have the british standard number on it.

i got mine online and found them cheaper than going to halfords or the likes,but make sure the plate will have all of this on it or they will fail the next MOT or if you are really unlucky the police will pull you over for it,there isnt a fine for not having the BS number and post code yet,but it will come. i got pulled for speeding and they picked up on my plates aswell, illegal spacing,no BS number, no postcode,etc.. but as the other officer said "he is being very fussy we wouldnt normally pull you for just this".
but it was another inconvenience.

That wrong information.
If you are stopped or caught driving a motor vehicle with incorrectly spaced plates and that DO NOT carry the BS standard mark you will be issued witha fixed pently ticket on the spot.
You may have got lucky however the law has got hot on to illegal number plates recently.

Night-owl_6

This is stated regarding replacement number plates:

When a vehicle owner wants to replace one or both of the number plates on their vehicle there are various checks that need to be made in order to prevent number plate fraud and car cloning. The owner will need to produce proof that they own that particular vehicle and the business is required to keep their record up to date.

Why would anyone not go along to somewhere they could get the plate there and then, unless you dont have the documents in which case is illegal

peediedj

i have personnel plates,and had my name under it,when i changed cars the garage put new plates on without my name under it,i didnt realsie it was illegal even to have your name under the reg

goldspanners

Night-owl wrote: »

That wrong information.
If you are stopped or caught driving a motor vehicle with incorrectly spaced plates and that DO NOT carry the BS standard mark you will be issued witha fixed pently ticket on the spot.
You may have got lucky however the law has got hot on to illegal number plates recently.

it happened to me at the end of febuary,it is not wrong information,it is an account of what happened to me.
considering they had already fined me for speeding im sure they would have taken great delight in issuing another fine for my plates. they gave me a 28 day notice to change the plates and get a form stamped at an mot station and then post this off. NO FINE.