Towbar Blocking numberplate - Legality?

[Stoofa]

I was following some Nissan yesterday.
I noticed it had a towbar on, however this was positioned right over the numberplate.
You could clearly see:

AK & "xxx" at the end.
However the two digit date identifier was totally blocked - couldn't see either of the numbers.
Now I know even with just the first two letters and last three you are lead to a relatively small number of vehicles.
And I guess further investigation - just how many of those finite vehicles were Nissan.

But still, a blocked numberplate is a blocked numberplate and I believe has an offence code?

Just interested.

[Dwight VanDriver]

Yersp indeedy

Section 43 Vehicle Excise and Registration Act 1994:

1)If a registration mark fixed on a vehicle as required by virtue of section 23 is in any way—.

(a)obscured, or.

(b)rendered, or allowed to become, not easily distinguishable,.

the relevant person is guilty of an offence.

(2)A person guilty of an offence under subsection (1) is liable on summary conviction to a fine not exceeding £10000.

(3)In subsection (1) “the relevant person” means the person driving the vehicle or, where it is not being driven, the person keeping it..

(4)It is a defence for a person charged with an offence under this section to prove that he took all steps which it was reasonably practicable to take to prevent the mark being obscured or rendered not easily distinguishable.

Fixed Penalty jobbie N1004.
dvd

[Stoofa]

So I guess in the case of the Nissan I followed.

(4)It is a defence for a person charged with an offence under this section to prove that he took all steps which it was reasonably practicable to take to prevent the mark being obscured or rendered not easily distinguishable.

Might be a possible defence.

Nissan put the space for the rear numberplate at the bottom of the car.
The owner needed a towbar and so there was no option but for the toebar to be placed in front of the plate.

[PAULJ5555]

Stoofa said:

Might be a possible defence.

Nissan put the space for the rear numberplate at the bottom of the car.
The owner needed a towbar and so there was no option but for the toebar to be placed in front of the plate.

Blame nissan, good one!!!!! the owner could have added an addtional number plate highter up or in the rear window to show willing.

[14-7]

Stoofa said:

Nissan put the space for the rear numberplate at the bottom of the car.
The owner needed a towbar and so there was no option but for the toebar to be placed in front of the plate.

I fear for people with stupidity like that.

[Compo_Simmonite]

Our old Pug 205 failed MOT as towball obscured no. plate.

Paul H

[Puddenchucker]

Stoofa said:

So I guess in the case of the Nissan I followed.

(4)It is a defence for a person charged with an offence under this section to prove that he took all steps which it was reasonably practicable to take to prevent the mark being obscured or rendered not easily distinguishable.

Might be a possible defence.

Nissan put the space for the rear numberplate at the bottom of the car.
The owner needed a towbar and so there was no option but for the toebar to be placed in front of the plate.

I stand to be corrected on this, but from memory, it's only a defence if the vehicle is actually towing a trailer/caravan etc (which should have a duplicate reg plate fitted), at the time. If you're not towing then whatever part of the tow bar is obscuring the reg plate should be removed.

[Petemate]

No defence - number plates should not be obscured when not towing. If one has a flange type ball - undo the bolts and remove the ball when not towing. If (like mine) a swan neck - undo the bolts and remove the ball/neck when not towing. Just remember to correctly torque up the bolts when refitting. My swan neck is sat on the bench in the workshop, together with its nuts and bolts, the spanner for the bolt heads, and the torque wrench with the socket for the nuts. 2-minute job to fit or detach.
Simples.