Are Sticker Number Plates Legal?

[Golflion]

As the headline says,heard to many conflicting reports on this.

Any pics would be appreciated for comment

[Mark_S_24]

I have a Sticky plate on my MX5, not gonna do it on the Chim as I don't think it'll be in the right place.

I got it from Craigsplates
On his site, he covers his Ar.. Leg, by saying they are NOT legal.
http://www.craigsplates.com/self-adhesive-number-p...
I've tried to find a DVLA article I read when deciding on mine, but basically it said "We don't know of an Legal Self Adhesive plates", which just sounds like there is a loop hole but they are trying to hide the fact that if, as with Craigspaltes, they are on the correct BS reflective background, font & spacing is correct then they are legal.
Now, if your local Road Policing Officer is aware of this..., cause of course some places just say "no, they are illegal". So I spoke to 1, and he was of the mind that as long as the Cameras could read it, ie placed correctly as well, then he had more important things to worry about.

So, really there is no answer to your question, it all depends on your local BiB, and of course how determined you were to fight your corner if it was brought into question.

I have my old Number Plate in my boot, but I have never been pulled up for it. I was pulled up for another reason and they didn't even mention my number plate.

So, clear as mud
Mark

[5.0ltr]

Does your sticky have a BSAU mark? Is it mounted vertically? Yes to both and you are ok. Somehow doubt you can score 2/2?

[Mark_S_24]

I don't remember seeing a code on the sticky plate, but as stated on the website, it does conform to the correct BS code doofer. And well, you can see how it's mounted in the Pic

Oh, and I went for the plate not for cosmetic reasons, but to allow more airflow due to the increased underbonnet temps due to a Turbo

I don't think it would look so good on the Chim,as the TVR badge is where I'd want to mount the sticky, and I don't wanna take that off
So I intend to go for a cut down plate something like Haircutmike's
(another can of worms, but again, it's down to the BiB that stops you I suspect)

Mark

Edited by Mark_S_24 on Wednesday 17th November 11:19

[Frenchda]

I have had one on my Chim since summer and have had my collar felt for slight speeding/noisy etc but they did not mention the plate.

[.Mark]

You don't say why you want a sticky one? Aesthetic or for air flow?

Aesthetically I'm not sure it'd work, if it's airflow, unless you have something special under the bonnet I don't see why you might need it? My Chimaera has a full size one in the normal position with no problems, the Cerb had a little one fitted when I got it so have left it as is.

Stick on plates belong only on E-Types, my opinion only

[macar]

I've got stick on plates on the E Type and XK8-never had a pull. Keeping the Griff as standard as don't think they would suit.

[Allandwf]

They are not legal, but don't normally atract attention. Rules below.
The following restrictions apply to registration plates:

All number plates from September 1, 2001 must display the new mandatory font and comply with British standards in relation to size, font and background.
Black number plates with silver or white numbers or letters may only be displayed on vehicles manufactured or registered before January 1, 1973.
Self adhesive number plates are illegal (i.e. plates stuck on the bonnet or sticker style plates.)
Number plates where screw heads are positioned to change the appearance of a letter or number are illegal.
Single line number plates on motorcycles are illegal.
Foreign style, British number plates are illegal.
If a number plate is cracked or broken and the damage makes the number difficult to read then an offence is committed.
More information is available from the Driver & Vehicle Licensing Authority (see link below).

Mandatory Character Font

From 1st September 2001 all new number plates must display the new mandatory (compulsory) font. This, combined with the new style format registration mark is designed to make number plates clearer and easier to remember.

Number plates fitted before 1st September 2001 need not be changed provided the character font used is substantially the same as the new font.

Number plates must be replaced if they have been customised with:-

Stylised letters and/or figures such as italics

Number plate fixing bolts that alter the appearance of the letters and/or numbers

Some companies will manufacture and retail customised plates with fancy fonts etc., however these are sold usually on the understanding they are solely for showroom or strictly off-road use.



This debate appears in nearly every car forum. You put them on you take a risk.

[Mark_S_24]

Well Alan, thats not strictly true, which was what I was getting at, it really needs a test case to be brought so the grey area can be cleared up.

So, for the OP, if you have a BS relective surface with the correct font type & size, spaced correctly & mounted vertically, it would appear to be legal.
But of course you'd have to get your lawyer to argue this if it came down to it.

You can see why this gets discussed back and forward, and why companies err on the side of caution & say they are Illegal.
I suspect it would only be mentioned, or used as a reason to stop you, if you were driving like a dafty, so it comes down to a personal decision if you wish to sail close to the wind or be 100% legal.

Mark

[Golflion]

.Mark said:

You don't say why you want a sticky one? Aesthetic or for air flow?

Aesthetically I'm not sure it'd work, if it's airflow, unless you have something special under the bonnet I don't see why you might need it? My Chimaera has a full size one in the normal position with no problems, the Cerb had a little one fitted when I got it so have left it as is.

Stick on plates belong only on E-Types, my opinion only

I have trimmed mine down to the letter edges, and secured central on the lower edge below the mesh grille,just dont think there is a great place to put the plate that looks right?

[.Mark]

Maybe I'm boring, but I think the plate works best where the factory fitted it.

[Frenchda]

.Mark said:

Maybe I'm boring, but I think the plate works best where the factory fitted it.

Ah the beauty of life. Different folks different strokes.

And as for only suiting E-Types, I scoff at that

[.Mark]

Frenchda said:

Hmmm.

[jmorgan]

Whilst not related to the UK, thought I saw a thread in a forum (Lotus??) about LePlod stopping cars with sticky plates coming off the ferry and getting them to screw them on or turn them around (get back on the ferry)? Though it might have been for Le Mans so the gendarms had their very arsy hats on.

Just a thought for foregenan trips.

[Frenchda]

Just to reiterate what has been said, anything away from the norm will attract attention. My Tuscan has a very small misplaced plate on it and although commented on by the Blues Brothers has never been actively pursued by them. If the car looks OK and you are not being an arse then you will probably get away with it. But you pay your money and take your choice.
My attitude when I put the small plates on the Tuscan and the sticky on the Chim was if I got more than 2 fines (I think it is a £30 fine) then I would change back.

[Timja]

Here is a photo of one with a stick on numberplate:

[haircutmike]

Imho, the full size stick on looks bad.

I used a stick on for about a year untill it was failed to be recognised by BIB's camera in the back of their Vulvo, (it might have been a bit small).

A swift ticket later and I now run a 3/4, (or there abouts) plate.


The lecture went along the lines of "illegal, illegal, illegal etc"!

[Derek Smith]

Mark_S_24 said:

so the grey area can be cleared up.

There is no grey area. Reflective number plates are illegal.

Further, the manner of display on the Mazda is also illegal.

It is black and white, so to speak.

[Bodmin]

Derek Smith said:

Mark_S_24 said:

so the grey area can be cleared up.

There is no grey area. Reflective number plates are illegal.

Further, the manner of display on the Mazda is also illegal.

It is black and white, so to speak.

The discussion is about stick on plates not reflective ones that beat speed cameras/anpr, unless I have misread a quote.

It definitley is a grey area as everyones experiance with seems to differ.

My own experiance, as I have relayed before on a previous thread, was when I was leading a group of 20 plus TVRs when myself & two others where zapped by the and pulled over by two Traffic bikers. I didn't think I was speeding....but who knows with a Tiv speedo

As the first officer approached I was expecting the 'liciense please' line but instead was told I could go if I wished.

I asked why we had been stopped & it turned out they where after my friends Griff as his front number plate was 10mm to narrow in height....what relevance you may ask.....well my Griff has a full size stick on plate(just like the Mazda) & they showed no interest in that....the officer even suggested to my friend whilst he was issuing the £30 ticket that he should have a plate like mine .....go figure

And all of this took place whilst a BBC film crew recorded the incident for one of those Police reality programmes.

Of course the others Tivs went passed laughing & waving whilst this was going on

Bodders

[vixen1700]

Have a black stick on one on the Vixen, and wouldn't have it any other way.