Quick help - numberplates and MOT failure

[Andy3004]

Evening all,

Am after a quick bit of help from PH!

My car failed it's MOT at a BMW main dealer today as they said the 3D lettering on my plates was illegal - which I was led to believe is not the case. What do you think on the following plate? note it is correctly spaced and includes maker stamp etc, it's purely the 3D font I was failed on (I kid you not).

Any help appreciated!!!

[Andy3004]

ging84 said:

http://www.motuk.co.uk/manual_630.htm

Three-dimensional characters are permitted to use grey edging in order to achieve the 3D effect on any age of vehicle.

can't make it out from the image, but it looks to me like it has marking in the bottom right, assuming they show the correct approval mark and the font size and spacing is all correct as it looks to be , there is no grounds to fail it

take it to vosa, they're trying to sell you a numberplate you don't need

Thanks very much for the quick response! Yep you're correct - the marking in the bottom right states the name of the maker and (I think) postcode, they were bought online but purchased as legal plates.

Does reassure me I'm ok then - they were trying it on failing me on tyres that are not illegal too...might have a chat to vosa!!

[Andy3004]

mcford said:

The characters aren't black, they're predominantly grey which can't strictly be viewed as grey edging. So by the book it's a fail.

Take your point there to be honest. Think I'll just put the originals back on!!

[Andy3004]

Shaoxter said:

Never been failed on a numberplate before, and mine have slightly questionable spacing (but not bad enough to get on the bad numberplates thread!) and no small lettering at the bottom. Don't get the MOT done at a main stealer!

Yep lesson learned there! ;-)

[Andy3004]

manic47 said:

It's under the R by the look of it.

Correct! Name and postcode (albeit hard to read in the photo I'll admit!!) ;-)

[Andy3004]

sherbertdip said:

I'm a pedant when it comes to number plates, I can't stand to see people mutilating them and just totally ignoring the law, but these I think look just fine.

What interests me more is what they failed the car on with the tyres and you say are ok, are you changing the tyres?

Edited by sherbertdip on Saturday 13th September 07:51

Front tyres they failed on wear... they are runflats so have the typical shoulder wear, which is not excessive, centre 3/4 all have 3.5 mm on. Have been to another garage this morning who told me they are, at worst, an advisory and NOT a fail...

IT's booked in there for a new test so once that is done I shall have words with BMW...

[Andy3004]

rscott said:

Don't agree - take a look at the 3d font here http://www.newreg.co.uk/services/dvla_number_plate... .
That looks identical to this plate and is definitely legal.

Thanks for that link! Good spot - as you say that font is identical to mine.

[Andy3004]

shep1001 said:

Elms by any chance?

Wouldn't like to comment on the dealership concerned until all resolved, suffice to say it is a BMW main dealer!!

[Andy3004]

Bodmin said:

I would suggest you go back to the dealer and explain you are unhappy (in a nice way) about the grounds for the MOT failure & request that the MOT Quality Controller(QC) reviews the failed items. The QC has the power to override another testers decision. If they refuse this then request a VT17 Appeal form.

Most Service Managers will do anything to avoid the Ministry getting involved including putting pressure on a tester or QC, I know people will say it shouldn't happen but it does, to get them out of trouble.

If you approach the dealer in a resonable manner not they will be more likely to assist you
than .

Bodders

That's a fair point and one I'll probably employ on reflection

Edited by Andy3004 on Sunday 14th September 08:11

[Andy3004]

So an update...car passed mot today at a different garage...god I'm shocked. not. :-)