View Full Version : Exhaust and Number Plates - Police view
keith_d
04-10-09, 07:18 AM
Bit of an old favourite here, but I'll post the stock answer.
Rules for a bike plate are that it must be on two lines with letters of a particular size and font. The gaps between the letters and the border around them are also specified in the legislation.
In practical terms, the ACPO guidelines for enforcement recommend that the plate should be clearly legible at 20 meters and have no fancy fonts. However, this is an area where officers have some discretion, both on whether to stop you and whether to issue a rectification notice and/or a fine.
If you're riding somewhere near the speed limit and your can isn't too loud your chances of getting stopped are small (North Wales excepted). On the other hand if you've got straight through pipes and are pi**ing off other road users you might reasonably expect every little detail to be examined.
Triv650
05-10-09, 04:59 PM
Is there any place I can have a look at the law concerning the noise levels produced by motorcycle exhausts and the legality of the noise levels? I really haven't a clue lol.
Red Herring
06-10-09, 08:04 AM
The best place to look is on your exhaust. If it has "Not for road use" or similar then it's illegal. If it has BS and E numbers/symbols on it then it's probably legal...provided it still has the removable baffle in it.
I've never seen the police with a db meter.
7755matt
06-10-09, 06:53 PM
I've seen some roadside checks with a dB meter, maybe not the police though.
My 'vin' plate has a dB limit on it of 87, my exhaust is bang on 99 which is just ok for an MSVA test, although i assume its a bit iffy if the bike is plated at 87dB?
bald git
15-03-10, 05:33 PM
i recently had my bike mot,d and had an advise on no rear reflector. i was talking with the tester about exhausts and cans marked not for road use, apparently if he could see this he would fail the test, but if a piece of tape was put over the writing, so it could not be seen, he would pass the bike. he is not allowed to deface the machine. removing tape is defacing !
7755matt
17-03-10, 06:27 PM
If it's daylight use then fine on no reflector. If it has lights then it should have failed for no reflector
speedplay
17-03-10, 06:50 PM
If it's daylight use then fine on no reflector. If it has lights then it should have failed for no reflector
There is no such thing as a "daylight use" or "daytime" MOT.
http://williamthecoroner.files.wordpress.com/2009/12/istock_can-of-worms.jpg
DNFTFT ;)
bald git
17-03-10, 07:49 PM
like your style
7755matt
18-03-10, 03:46 PM
There is no such thing as a "daylight use" or "daytime" MOT.
I didn't say there was, I just said that if the vehicle is only used during daylight hours and not at times of reduced visibility then the testers manual makes allowance for that and says needs no position lights, at which point it loses all requirement for other lights and reflectors, but needs a horn
kiggles
31-03-10, 05:31 PM
I have been ridding with the police and i totally respect them and understand small plates are a no no.
but my personal point of view on noisey exhausts is have them and F*** everyone else. i live in my dads loft and theres no insulation so i hear every exhaust loud and clear and everyones conversation as they walk past the house.
I will agree loud exhausts are annoying as there is a bike shop at bottom of road and i hear countless numbers of loud exhausts down my road all day every day even at stupid hours of the morning. i learnt to deal with it so should everyone else. i currently DONT have one on my bike but i plan to as it is SAFER for ridders to have them.
I know i am not the only biker who has had people say "I didnt see you" or something along them lines. So its a way of reassuring myself if i am not seen i can be heard. i know probs get in trouble for loud one but for GODsake we dont drink petrol, we dont cause traffic, and we dont kill others (generally). other people in cars on phone not paying attendion, smoking, drinking while driving is nothing compared to a loud pipe in my opinion.
pulling a bike over for a loud pipe is an annoyance rather then DANGEROUS but yet we get picked on for it and i think it is such ******** and laws should either be harsher to pick on people doing wrong in cars rather than waste efforts on a biker with a loud pipe dont you think?
carternd
31-03-10, 07:58 PM
I have been ridding with the police and i totally respect them and understand small plates are a no no.
but my personal point of view on noisey exhausts is have them and F*** everyone else. i live in my dads loft and theres no insulation so i hear every exhaust loud and clear and everyones conversation as they walk past the house.
I will agree loud exhausts are annoying as there is a bike shop at bottom of road and i hear countless numbers of loud exhausts down my road all day every day even at stupid hours of the morning. i learnt to deal with it so should everyone else. i currently DONT have one on my bike but i plan to as it is SAFER for ridders to have them.
I know i am not the only biker who has had people say "I didnt see you" or something along them lines. So its a way of reassuring myself if i am not seen i can be heard. i know probs get in trouble for loud one but for GODsake we dont drink petrol, we dont cause traffic, and we dont kill others (generally). other people in cars on phone not paying attendion, smoking, drinking while driving is nothing compared to a loud pipe in my opinion.
pulling a bike over for a loud pipe is an annoyance rather then DANGEROUS but yet we get picked on for it and i think it is such ******** and laws should either be harsher to pick on people doing wrong in cars rather than waste efforts on a biker with a loud pipe dont you think?
Laws shouldn't be made to pick on people.
Laws on noise from exhausts etc. apply to cars and lorries as well. The limits may well be different but the rules are there for the same reason - to reduce the impact traffic noise makes. Imagine living by an industrial estate with poorly silenced lorries coming and going at 6 in the morning.
Bike exhausts can also scare people as well, especially during overtaking, and this unintentionally intimidates other road users. I once had the silencer off my old bike, whilst bodging the link-pipe and started it up. My son burst into tears, and was found shaking, attached to his nan.
What gives you the right to ride around sounding like the approach of the apocalypse, and stuff everyone else?
kiggles
03-04-10, 04:46 PM
i not saying its the right thing to do. i agree they are bad and shouldn't be on the road. but its just the fact other drives are at their own fault for other reasons make me not want to keep to these rules. i know loads of people who use phones, smoke, drink coffee, and drive at the same time. when i am in the car with them i stop them doing it as it annoys me but i know its not gona stop. they know its wrong but they still do it. Careless car drivers still are oblivious to bikes no matter how many adverts they put up on TV etc and still pull out carelessly. but its a world we live in i guess. nothing can stop these things and i take the side of the phase "kill or be killed" but in this case be selfish or been taken advantage of (in this case not be acknowledged or seen).
just for the record i have just put new exhaust on my bike and it is within the law of loudness so its not like i am going out my way to be an ass. I am still within the law and i very much doubt other car drivers with take these idea's on board.
But i do respect people who do follow the laws of no phone etc with hands free kits and people who stop for a cigarette and just didn't see a bike it happens. But they need to be aware of us as when i start driving the first thing i think of is a bike and its rubbed off onto my GF driving as well which i am very happy about
not a fan of small plates dont see the facination myself.
i like loud exhausts and personally dont find them annoying, i live near a duel carrageway and i have pretty much grown up on hearing bikes racing up and down it at all hours of the day, the same applies for cars i just prefer the sound of bikes.
saying that though, peds exahausts always make me laugh and they are pretty annoying, but i used to have one so cant complain.
I would imagine that the Loud pipes save lives thing is fairly true, as long as you dont blast past some unsuspecting car driver causing them to crash.
metalhead19
03-04-10, 05:07 PM
I have to agree, i dont understand having small plates, just draws more attention to you from the Police ect. However i do think loud pipes have a purpose. If your not seen you need to be heard.
I mean its not as if you need to ride around all day with wide open throttle making alot of noise. If the hours are late ect then ride it quietly using little throttle. The bike can be quiet (ish) with a loud can so i dont really see a problem with it.
The bike can be quiet (ish) with a loud can so i dont really see a problem with it.
this is very true.
its nice to have a loud can for blipping the throttle when filtering
carternd
03-04-10, 11:45 PM
i not saying its the right thing to do. i agree they are bad and shouldn't be on the road. but its just the fact other drives are at their own fault for other reasons make me not want to keep to these rules. i know loads of people who use phones, smoke, drink coffee, and drive at the same time. when i am in the car with them i stop them doing it as it annoys me but i know its not gona stop. they know its wrong but they still do it. Careless car drivers still are oblivious to bikes no matter how many adverts they put up on TV etc and still pull out carelessly. but its a world we live in i guess. nothing can stop these things and i take the side of the phase "kill or be killed" but in this case be selfish or been taken advantage of (in this case not be acknowledged or seen).
just for the record i have just put new exhaust on my bike and it is within the law of loudness so its not like i am going out my way to be an ass. I am still within the law and i very much doubt other car drivers with take these idea's on board.
But i do respect people who do follow the laws of no phone etc with hands free kits and people who stop for a cigarette and just didn't see a bike it happens. But they need to be aware of us as when i start driving the first thing i think of is a bike and its rubbed off onto my GF driving as well which i am very happy about
First off, apologies, just re-read my post and I was way too harsh in tone! I personally like the sound of bike exhausts, though when I had the silencer off my old bike my ears hurt and it was too much, but we have to respect other peoples lives, and I suspect most people don't like noisy engines. I'm sure the police "pick" on chavs with cherry-bomb or similar exhausts. (I don't think they pick on people, rather enforce the law. Doesn't mean the law's right!") I don't know your local police though, they might be pigs. In west Dorset they leave us, for the most part, alone.
I have my doubts as to whether loud cans do much for safety. A help for the pedestrian who is looking and listening already, but in a car, through the soundproofing, Jeremy Vine and daydreaming; or past a pedestrians iPod or phone, I think it will just not register.
kiggles
21-04-10, 05:34 PM
since i have now got a louder exhaust i hate driving down local roads at night as i know it is an annoyance and like someone said they can be quite at certain rev counts.
It just annoys me how people can take a noisy exhaust on a bike seriously as if we are causing trouble, when every other car i see has someone on the phone or with a cigarette whilst driving. Yet no one says anything about someone on the phone.
if i knocked on someone's window to tell them to get off the phone they probs give me the the finger and tell me to F*** off.
And a yes who ever said noisy pipe helps when filtering i have noticed this change and its very useful although still doesnt stop people walking out on you even when you are clearly in view
Nicky S
07-05-10, 12:59 PM
And a yes who ever said noisy pipe helps when filtering i have noticed this change and its very useful although still doesnt stop people walking out on you even when you are clearly in view
+1 best mod i ever did to my bike to been seen. allways have my lights on but loud can helps so much
ilovemybike
20-06-10, 07:23 PM
Well thats an interesting thread just read it all the way through, thanks for the information, good original post, I did not know about having to have a mark on the exhaust to prove it to be satisfactory.
For me personally small plates are a no no too, have never interested me and never will, I do however have a fairly loud exhaust and agree with the previous posts, that it does give u an extra bit of noticeability when people arent looking, a high vis jacket from hg and having lights on also works especially for long motorway journeys. I live in a very quiet ul de sac, and am also very aware not to come in revving the nuts out of the bike as it will just **** people off.
There has been times however when backfire from big exhausts both bikes and cars have nearly had me on the floor taking cover, so i can see why people do find them aggresive or scary. For me personally I will always ride quietly and efficiently in urban areas, well try to at least. ;)
My personal view is that I think they do more good than harm, as long as they are not too defening, I think its very much up to the discression of the police or mot garage for recomendations.
I still think that anything that helps to get a biker noticed on the road more can only be a good thing.
thinone
21-06-10, 12:27 AM
last years MOT - the pipes were Cautionary as slightly too loud - this year's MOT same exhaust same garage - not a peep - but i do need a new tyre
Malarki
21-06-10, 03:25 PM
After reading the majority of posts on this thread regarding exhausts, i've decided that im going to remove and keep* my baffle out:smt077. As said already, the noise can be kept low(ish) in residential areas and it only increases the likelyhood of other motorists noticing that im there.
*took it out once before to see what it was like for the day, but put it back in after pressure from my dad and the g/f.
Mark650ni
20-12-10, 08:04 PM
im surprised you openly admitted that sir lol
Risenphoenix08
03-08-11, 09:37 PM
I fitted a tail tidy last year and it came with a small reflective sticker. The standard hunk of plastic I took off had a red reflective rectangle on it.
So is it a legal requirement to have an extra reflective piece on the number plate?
johnmaciver32
04-08-11, 05:26 AM
I don't think having a loud exhaust would make too much of a difference..you'll still get someone who hasn't heard you, or seen you.
I had a near miss yesterday..the guy looked, pulled out on me and crapped it when i screeched to a halt beside him..being told he hadn't seen me was worrying..(I was in discovery4 workvan with lights on.)
I'm pretty sure high mileage car/ van drivers will say the same...there is always someone not paying attention.
When I had a curvie years ago, I found the best attention grabber was keeping throttle open, hitting the kill switch then back on..that monstrous backfire was awesome! Didn't care if it damaged the bike back then! (Still don't know if it would have damaged anything) :)
sent using tapatalk
KVS9250
14-05-12, 08:51 AM
No confusion here! It's funny how these things start!
Geodude
14-05-12, 08:57 AM
No confusion here! It's funny how these things start!
Im confused. ;)
Bordtea
16-06-12, 03:49 PM
MOT coming up soon - is is still a requirement to have some form of reflector on the rear end?
MOT coming up soon - is is still a requirement to have some form of reflector on the rear end?
Yes, a red one. You can see mine mounted on the number plate light
http://i515.photobucket.com/albums/t358/focus550/IMG-20110821-00097.jpg
Geodude
24-06-12, 08:59 AM
Anyone on here been done for having no baffle in? If yes then whats the punishment, fine, points or both?
Geo, depends on the copper you get. You may get a VRN (vehicle rectification notice), where you have to take your vehicle to get inspected once the 'fault' has been corrected.
Bordtea
26-06-12, 12:49 PM
Cheers daddyjob. I'll get down to poundland ;)
Geodude
26-06-12, 12:52 PM
Ta Daddy, so no spot fine then?
Paul the 6th
26-06-12, 01:19 PM
One of the lads I was riding with got a £30 on the spot fine for no baffles - it's in my 'ride to squires' video on youtube. Depends if you've been riding like a doylem though I guess - the police might want to throw the book at you if they didn't manage to get you speeding and you fail the attitude test for whatever reason
Geodude
26-06-12, 01:25 PM
Cheers boss, im a good lad honest :)
ruddlad
30-06-13, 11:03 AM
Does anyone know how Nottingham Police enforce the small plate issue?
My new purchase has a 7x5 plate so isnt standard.
thinone
30-06-13, 11:13 AM
Does anyone know how Nottingham Police enforce the small plate issue?
My new purchase has a 7x5 plate so isnt standard.
be standard and ride without worry
dowser81
06-01-15, 07:58 AM
Louder exhausts are just safer in my opinion better chance of being heard by motorists and pedestrians who like to step out on you.
http://emptysqua.re/blog/media/2013/10/night-of-the-living-thread.jpg
maviczap
06-01-15, 11:46 AM
LOL :p
BanannaMan
07-01-15, 05:00 AM
Louder exhausts are just safer in my opinion better chance of being heard by motorists and pedestrians who like to step out on you.
http://www.pjsparts.com/catalog/images/7%20-%20Fun%20Stuff/TS001Ox.jpg
LewSpeight
03-02-15, 07:33 PM
Yes, a red one. You can see mine mounted on the number plate light
http://i515.photobucket.com/albums/t358/focus550/IMG-20110821-00097.jpg
Off topic, but which tail tidy is that?
Blapper
16-07-16, 06:42 PM
Interesting to hear opinions on plates and cans. I have a standard plate on my bike at 9x7 but there is so much room around the number that I am replacing it with an 8x6. 7x5 is too small but I reckon I can get away with the 8x6.
I'd also like a louder small can, but still legal - they seem to be £200+ :-(
Richon2Wheels
01-06-17, 09:54 AM
i've found on my '01 SV that the Delkevic has the right balance of presence, noise & police tolerance.
It's a 450mm one, so borderline legal with baffle.
Give the bike a bit of power & it growls. It's enough to make cars aware of you when filtering & I've even had a police biker compliment the noise my bike makes! :smt048
The numberplate is standard but I've trimmed down the rear mudguard so it looks quite snug & tidy.
Interesting to hear opinions on plates and cans. I have a standard plate on my bike at 9x7 but there is so much room around the number that I am replacing it with an 8x6. 7x5 is too small but I reckon I can get away with the 8x6.
I'd also like a louder small can, but still legal - they seem to be £200+ :-(
It's not the size of the plate.
It is the size of the number or letters and there spacing.
See this
https://www.mot-testing.service.gov.uk/documents/manuals/m1s06000302.htm
Blapper
03-06-17, 06:18 AM
Yeah, mine is really pretty indistinguishable from standard by those rules. Flew through the MOT with it on (because I forgot to take it off!). It was really ugly as standard, looks OK to me now and still very clear for the speed cameras to see... :smt019
andy650
28-06-17, 04:51 AM
I have used 8x6 plates on all my bikes for years.
Never had a problem with any cops over it.
I have used 8x6 plates on all my bikes for years.
Never had a problem with any cops over it.
See #245.....
My 99 sv has a 450mm Delkevic, it doesn't make any difference if the baffle is in or out tbh. My plate is 2 inches smaller all round too, it's been through 2 mot's and my local Honda dealership with zero complaints or advisories. On the subject of noise cameras...having been involved in racing for a good few years, there are criteria to adhere to when measuring noise, the meter has to be a certain distance from the exhaust, revs held at a certain rim and atmospheric conditions are taken in to account. None of these criteria are taken into account regards to the placement of the camera/ noise detection! How on earth they can get an accurate measurement I don't know!
Bullying at it's best yet again.
gt alex
20-07-22, 09:20 AM
The law here for motorcycle exhaust is as clear as mud, so if noise cameras where used they would have to be very lenient IMO. which would make them not worth having?
https://motorbikewriter.com/aftermarket-exhausts-not-illegal-barrister/
redtrummy
20-07-22, 12:22 PM
If I could capture the guys number plate that goes up our road at about 8am each day I would shop him. His number plate is too small to be legal and his exhaust must be a through pipe , on top of which it constantly miss fires. I don't ride with an illegal exhaust and neither should he.
I seem to remember reading that the max allowed is is 80db but it has to be tested in the open with a certain distance from walls e.t.c - very difficult to police.
Thanks for the rant!
Sir Trev
20-07-22, 06:21 PM
Your guy sounds like the a-hole on the Grom who lives somewhere near me. You can hear him a mile off and that's no fun when it's 7am on a Sunday!
I'm also amazed at how many of the chavvy kids who rag their chipped cars, popping and snarling the whole time on the over-run, around the town centre, when they all seem to have pale red number plates front and back. I have no idea if they fool ANPR cameras but it proves we don't have enough real police officers about as they're getting away with it so much. Noise cameras don't stand a chance...
Red ones
26-07-22, 11:18 AM
I'm also amazed at how many of the chavvy kids who rag their chipped cars, popping and snarling the whole time on the over-run, around the town centre, when they all seem to have pale red number plates front and back. I have no idea if they fool ANPR cameras but it proves we don't have enough real police officers about as they're getting away with it so much. Noise cameras don't stand a chance...
I find it funny that these kids still make their cars loud to tell us they can go fast. Aren't the fastest cars in showrooms now electric? Tesla in ludicrous mode, Porsche Taycan Turbo S etc...
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