Number plates

[QueenOfSheba]

Does anyone know of the exact rules regarding the issue of number plates now, what with the requirement for ID and proof of ownership for the vehicle? Do these requirements apply to foreign vehicles? I asked the Police who didn't know then I rang DVLA who didn't know either and suggested I ring the Police...

Can anyone enlighten me?

[gouldc]

That's a nice conundrum. I would assume that you would still have some proof of ownership in the form of a registration document?

It should be as simple as going into a motor factors in that case.

The problem is that anyone who has a licence to supply/make number plates is bound by law to keep a record of all the plates they make - I think you'd be better off asking your local motor factors mate

[wduk2005]

some places will do one with your insurance certificate and proof of identity.

or just get a smaller one (classed as a show plate) which you dont need any proof and argue (when you get pulled over which you will) that because the car is foreign they are the plates made for it

[QueenOfSheba]

Thanks for your replies peeps!

I only needed a rear plate for a friend who is a truck driver and lives and works abroad - He'd forgotten his rear plate (interchangable) that goes on the back of whichever trailer you pull and didn't want to be stopped by the police.

Didn't realise about show plates - Will do for again though.

Unscrupulous garage was willing to make one for me for �35 (�10 normally...) and wouldn't accept a fax of logbook, ID etc - Knew I was in a spot and took his chance, alas he didn't stock the correct size plates!

Have a good mind to report him as a mystery shopper, like the kids Police send in to try and purchase fags, booze, fireworks etc!

Sorry this is a bit long, rant over now, ta!

[QueenOfSheba]

PS: local motor factors I always (used) to go to just kept sayin, Dahling, dahling, and so on - Do you want me to go to prison...? He wasn't very educated about the system!

So which official body does have the answer eh?

The law is indeed, an ass!

[JudgeJ]

I�m afraid I cannot agree that the law is an ass in this case. The design of British number plates is clearly defined and includes regulations concerning the font, the spacing and grouping among other things. Since 2003 number plate suppliers have been required to register with the DVLA.

In order to continue their registration it is necessary for them to keep records of number plates supplied. These records must show what evidence of identity they gained from the person buying the number plate and what evidence they gained of that person�s entitlement to have the number plate supplied. The list of acceptable documents for both these items is clearly laid down on the DVLA�s website (and an insurance certificate is not among them, twduk2005). These are sensible measures aimed at preventing unauthorised persons from obtaining number plates to which they are not entitled.

Most laws cannot be framed to cover every eventualtity. Where the law does not specifically cover a particular set of circumstances courts are called upon to make rulings. A quick glance at the relevant law (Vehicles (Crime) Act 2001) does not seem to make any specific mention of the supply of number plates for vehicles registered abroad. I would therefore say that number plate suppliers are quite justified in applying the same conditions when faced with the request made by your friend as they would if asked to supply a British number plate. There would be no point in them risking prosecution by doing otherwise as the penalties are a fine of up to �5,000 and suspension of their registration for up to 5 years.

[QueenOfSheba]

Thanks for all of your answers folks - It seems that the spirit of the law could have been employed here, instead of the rigid letter of it (I found out elsewhere on AB, that "show" plates can se sold for officially, off-road use, but legally have to be sold as such - Just a technicality that seems to rubbish the need for all of the documents charade) and it would have helped if either the Police or DVLA had had a clue about their governments own legislation!