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View Full Version : whats the law on number plate lights?


leebex
04-11-10, 08:48 PM
I know that we have to have number plate lights to illuminate the plate in the dark, but whats the law regarding colour, do they have to be white or is red allowed, anyone know where i can find the info regading this?

Thanks, Lee

andrewsmith
04-11-10, 08:50 PM
I've asked this question and it is not required for an MOT, but upset a copper and they may pick you up on it.

But Sid will probs confirm or flame me

barwel1992
04-11-10, 09:02 PM
it is law to have one, but its not required for a mot.

and i heard it has to be white but not 100% on that

leebex
04-11-10, 09:06 PM
im hoping its legal to use red, but doubt it, just would save me a job thats all.

Wideboy
04-11-10, 09:17 PM
why? are you using the tail light to light up your plate? I've don't that for years on the SV and never had a problem in MOT's or with the police

but yes im pretty sure it does have to be white

leebex
04-11-10, 09:19 PM
due to this:

http://forums.sv650.org/showthread.php?t=159211

will make life easier to mount the plate under the tail light and be lit by it. :D

Wideboy
04-11-10, 09:25 PM
wouldn't worry about it TBH, the only time PC plod would pick up on it if they were following you and at that point their headlights will be shining on your plate

meh its never bothered me, my plates barely visible at night

kwak zzr
04-11-10, 09:41 PM
i had one on gixer that worked when it wanted to, passed last mot not working :)

leebex
04-11-10, 09:44 PM
just found this too:

http://www.dft.gov.uk/vosa/repository/Motorcycle%20MOT%20Inspection%20Checklist%20(VT%20 40M).pdf

then this conflicts, lol

http://www.ukmot.com/1-1.asp#Text_top

BBadger
04-11-10, 09:57 PM
im sure a small strip of LED's wouldnt be a hard task to wire up.

leebex
04-11-10, 09:59 PM
Think I picked up the car mot guide there, as the bike one doesnt mention it, yeah I`ll prob go with those led bolts if required, just curious as i could have saved myself another job that all :D

andrewsmith
04-11-10, 10:00 PM
im sure a small strip of LED's wouldnt be a hard task to wire up.

i am thinking that. Anyone got a grasp of the wiring changes after the connector

beabert
04-11-10, 10:01 PM
Again i find myself copying you lol. Mine is now lit by my rear brake light, but its so dull, theres various 12v led solutions on ebay mate, just been looking myself.

BBadger
04-11-10, 10:01 PM
Dont motrax or someone make a small. Bit of adhesive and should wire straight into the tail light wiring and all sorted minimal effort.

andrewsmith
04-11-10, 10:03 PM
Dont motrax or someone make a small. Bit of adhesive and should wire straight into the tail light wiring and all sorted minimal effort.

http://motrax.co.uk/index.php?mod=product&id_prd=111

leebex
04-11-10, 10:29 PM
thats cheap enough, will look into that once I get the tail light bolted in and an undertray made up.
thanks ;)

monkey
05-11-10, 09:00 AM
R and G do a nice little number plate led fitting.

Dicky Ticker
05-11-10, 09:51 AM
Rear number plate must be illuminated on an night MOT either by a constant white light that can't be seen by vehicles behind or in some cases [AHO] the red tail light suffices when it illuminates the numberplate. All lights must be in 100% working order
example being LED,s all must work.Showing a white light to the rear is a MOT fail.
I am aware that some MOT testers may be a bit lax on this but that is the official line

MattCollins
05-11-10, 12:48 PM
There are also single LED in bolt head type number plate lights like this:

http://www.amcmotorcycles.com/contents/media/07-4072W.jpg

Image borrowed from here:
http://www.amcmotorcycles.com/contents/en-uk/d258.html

andrewsmith
05-11-10, 01:43 PM
R and G do a nice little number plate led fitting.

Aye its 12.95 looks a better option to the Motrax item

yorkie_chris
06-11-10, 01:04 AM
m

Don't mention the M word or you will be shot.

andrewsmith
06-11-10, 12:08 PM
Don't mention the M word or you will be shot.

what Moto Guzzi :D