Number plate light - required or not?

[bigredduke]

Just been tinkering around with my tail end (no jokes please) and fitted a different numberplate mount which doesn't have the locating holes for the standard numberplate light. I have spoken to my regular MOT tester & he says it isn't an MOT requirement, but it may be different as far as plod is concerned. I know that a motorcycle can be used on the public highway in daylight with no lights or indicators fitted (I have only ridden my bike after dark on one occasion). I have checked the vehicle lighting regs 1989 and they don't seem to specifically refer to requirements. any ideas?

[slob]

according to 93/92/EEC
it's madatory
http://eur-lex.europa.eu/LexUriServ/LexUriServ.do?uri=CELEX:31993L0092:EN:HTML
(don't forget you need a red reflector too)

I fitted
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/LED-NUMBER-PLATE-TAIL-TIDY-LIGHT-WHITE-12-VOLT_W0QQitemZ170288245304QQcmdZViewItemQQptZUK_Mo torcycle_Parts?hash=item170288245304&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14&_trkparms=72%3A1299%7C66%3A2%7C65%3A12%7C39%3A1%7C 240%3A1318
when I did my tail chop, beautifully made, almost useless but probably satisfies the law

[BluprintZ]

I wouldn't worry too much about it if you don't use the bike much at night.
I'm sure the rear light on my 900 has a clear panel underneath it, as well as the no plate light, if that's the case, then mine is staying off when my bike's re-built.
Maybe check your's in the dark, see if it does light the no plate?

G.

[bigredduke]

according to 93/92/EEC
it's madatory
http://eur-lex.europa.eu/LexUriServ/LexUriServ.do?uri=CELEX:31993L0092:EN:HTML
(don't forget you need a red reflector too)

I fitted
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/LED-NUMBER-PLATE-TAIL-TIDY-LIGHT-WHITE-12-VOLT_W0QQitemZ170288245304QQcmdZViewItemQQptZUK_Mo torcycle_Parts?hash=item170288245304&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14&_trkparms=72%3A1299%7C66%3A2%7C65%3A12%7C39%3A1%7C 240%3A1318
when I did my tail chop, beautifully made, almost useless but probably satisfies the law

Thanks Rob, looks like just the job, neat, unobtrusive and, as you say useless for the purposes of illumination but satisfies legal requirements which is all I want.

[Johnny_E]

Heres one I fitted during the summer to my Z750:

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3022/2628122419_10e54a5f9c.jpg

You'll find em on eBay - about £3 if I rememebr rightly!

John

[manwithredbike]

as robs post shows, they're needed. i've m-o-ted mine twice without one though they told me to get a reflector fitted. my tail chop has the plate directly below the tail light so putting a clear piece into the the bottom of then lens would be possible.

[gary tompkins]

I cut a window at the bottom and fitted a clear window, using a piece of old CD case stuck in place with clear silicone adhesive. Works really well and allows you to ditch the number plate lamp unit.

[slob]

I believe some Buells have the same glass, with the white bottom section, as standard.

[Nickj]

I stuck a 5 LED bar to light up mine. Works a treat

[Dave G]

Yup,my monster nearly failed its first MOT earlier this year because of this(just a bad connection with the bulb and easily fixed). Generally if its got something fitted,it has to work and unless you want a daytime only MOT this is compulsory.

[PDL]

MOT regs are strange, you don't actually need a speedo to pass an MOT. As for lights had the 748 on a day time MOT - no indicators, headlight, tail or brake light.

[Capo]

I got nicked for having defective 'index plate' illumination, but that was many moons ago. Fined 10/6.

[Dave G]

MOT regs are strange, you don't actually need a speedo to pass an MOT. As for lights had the 748 on a day time MOT - no indicators, headlight, tail or brake light.


You'll need at least a brakelight,even for a daylight MOT, actually,whether it needed it or not,I dont think I'd be happy on the roads without at least a brakelight.

[PDL]

You'll need at least a brakelight,even for a daylight MOT, actually,whether it needed it or not,I dont think I'd be happy on the roads without at least a brakelight.

Hand signals will suffice, you don't need a brake light but you do need a reflector as it may be parked up at night. I had the 748 MOT'd and insured without anything on it and was also stopped by the Police, all fine without a brake light.

[Aus_X]

I had my Monster MOT'd last month and was told by the tester that a number plate light is not required. Mine certainly doesn't have one. He told me that many scooters are made without number plate lights. I did fail however, becasue my headlight for some reason kicks up to the right?

[Blah blah]

MOT regs are strange, you don't actually need a speedo to pass an MOT. As for lights had the 748 on a day time MOT - no indicators, headlight, tail or brake light.

You also don't need a front mudguard for an MoT - but the Construction and Use' regs say you do !

[Pomp1]

plate lights are mandatory,as far as I know,I use this http://www.bikebitzuk.co.uk/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=2368 paid them about a fiver on fleabay,works well and look ok,got stopped once and they didn't say a thing,so they must be fine