number plate lights - what colours are allowed

[rodzd126]

hi, i have moved the number plate to a different position on the rear of my car, so this means i need to move the rear number plate lights to light them up at night. What colours am i not allowed to have?

[Toureman]

Look at this

Chapter 8.2 of........

http://www.ltsa.govt.nz/rules/vehicle-lighting -2004.html#part1

It is a lot easier to say what colour lights you have to have not what colour lights you don't have to have.

Diffused white is the only one you can have.

[Buenchico]

Toureman seems to be assuming that you're in New Zealand! ;-)

However, the substance of his answer is still correct. The Road Vehicle Lighting Regulations 1989 state that you can only use white lights:
http://www.opsi.gov.uk/SI/si1989/Uksi_19891796 _en_20.htm#nsch15requirementrelatingobligatory rearregistrationplatelamp

Further, I suspect that examination of the Road Vehicles (Construction and Use) Regulations 1986 will show that
(i) there are rules about the positioning of rear registration plates ; and
(ii) moving the rear registration plate (even if it's to a position permitted under the regulations) removes 'type approval' from your vehicle. If so, it's illegal to drive the vehicle until it's been taken to a testing centre to seek 'single vehicle approval'.

Even if you can get 'single vehicle approval' (which is expensive and only possible if the registration plate is in a position approved by the 1986 regulations), you'll still need to advise your insurers, as moving the registration plate counts as a modification to the vehicle. This will almost certainly result in an increase in your premium.

Chris

[Ethel]

GSM - the vehicles that you refer to with number plates in 'non-standard' places have not been modified - they were manufactured like that.

Lorry driver can and do get fined for showing blue lights - and any other colour lights.

Car drivers can and do get prosecuted for having plates that do not conform.

[rodzd126]

say if i were to move the number plate from the bootlid to the rear bumper and i lit it up with white (not too bright / non flashing lights), anything wrong with that? thanks

[rojam]

To be honest I hardly think you'd need to have your car go through an SVA test just because you changed your number plate position. Some cars have to have the plate moved because they have tow bars fitted, I've never heard of them going through Single Vehicle Approval.
There is no regulation as to where the rear registration plate is in the MOT test. As long as it's secure and can be read easily 20 metres away, has the correct spacing and lettering type and is not obscured it's fine. It must be illuminated by a light (or lights) that do not show white light directly to the rear of the car.
Don't forget to disconnect your existing number plate lights, if there is no number plate there, they are no longer number plate lights and any signs of white light directly to the rear of the car would be a failure.
If you're really worried phone VOSA's helpline, 0870 6060440. They'll put you in touch with the relevant department and tell you exactly what you need to know.