Actual penalty for a number plate which has blown off?
Discussion
I realise not having a number plate is the crime of the century and certain posters appear to link the removal of, fitting vanity and the like to the owner squatting in a drugs den.
But legally I do have a question. My better half took one of the cars out for a drive and by a twist of fate was at some temporary traffic lights near to my parents. She had a daughter with her. On the pavement a bike cop had just pulled someone in and as she puts it ‘gestured to her to pull over’ Now. I’d have probably just driven off as the cop was off his bike and merely dominating the pavement. She didn’t.
After the usual police sarcasm he explained it was a very serious offence. That’s ok. Then he started asking where she was going, and had she experience of the car. That’s a bit weird. Finally he asked if the number plate was a ‘vanity plate’, which it’s not and it’s standard in size and layout, before telling her it’s too small, again nonsense then told her he could ‘remove the plate immediately and have it de-registered’. This meant, he said, that we would find it ‘almost impossible to ever use the car on the road again’
Fair play to her no ticket. Daughter suggested he followed them home and arrested daddy, but to no avail.
What level of BS is this exactly? Is this really just pure intimidation as I cannot see he would have ever said the same to a man? On the bright side maybe I’d have coughed up £100, unlikely though as I have never been bothered once before.
Is this a new Police thing..de-registering auto powers
But legally I do have a question. My better half took one of the cars out for a drive and by a twist of fate was at some temporary traffic lights near to my parents. She had a daughter with her. On the pavement a bike cop had just pulled someone in and as she puts it ‘gestured to her to pull over’ Now. I’d have probably just driven off as the cop was off his bike and merely dominating the pavement. She didn’t.
After the usual police sarcasm he explained it was a very serious offence. That’s ok. Then he started asking where she was going, and had she experience of the car. That’s a bit weird. Finally he asked if the number plate was a ‘vanity plate’, which it’s not and it’s standard in size and layout, before telling her it’s too small, again nonsense then told her he could ‘remove the plate immediately and have it de-registered’. This meant, he said, that we would find it ‘almost impossible to ever use the car on the road again’
Fair play to her no ticket. Daughter suggested he followed them home and arrested daddy, but to no avail.
What level of BS is this exactly? Is this really just pure intimidation as I cannot see he would have ever said the same to a man? On the bright side maybe I’d have coughed up £100, unlikely though as I have never been bothered once before.
Is this a new Police thing..de-registering auto powers
Sorry, but it's still not clear to me - after reading your post a couple of times - whether your plate was present (but too small in the opinion of the policeman), or missing.
Maybe you could clarify.
I believe that there is a method whereby action can be taken against people who have - for example - a vanity plate where they have changed the spacing of the letters to spell their name - and that in the worst possible case they can get the DVLA to de-issue the plate.
I'm sure someone more knowledgeable will be along shortly.
Maybe you could clarify.
I believe that there is a method whereby action can be taken against people who have - for example - a vanity plate where they have changed the spacing of the letters to spell their name - and that in the worst possible case they can get the DVLA to de-issue the plate.
I'm sure someone more knowledgeable will be along shortly.
sunbeam alpine said:
Sorry, but it's still not clear to me - after reading your post a couple of times - whether your plate was present (but too small in the opinion of the policeman), or missing.
Maybe you could clarify.
I believe that there is a method whereby action can be taken against people who have - for example - a vanity plate where they have changed the spacing of the letters to spell their name - and that in the worst possible case they can get the DVLA to de-issue the plate.
I'm sure someone more knowledgeable will be along shortly.
So a half truth, every day’s a school day Maybe you could clarify.
I believe that there is a method whereby action can be taken against people who have - for example - a vanity plate where they have changed the spacing of the letters to spell their name - and that in the worst possible case they can get the DVLA to de-issue the plate.
I'm sure someone more knowledgeable will be along shortly.
Front plate absent, rear plate present and correct, standard size and lettering.
ddom said:
So a half truth, every day’s a school day
Front plate absent, rear plate present and correct, standard size and lettering.
I have a couple of cars which IMO look better without a front plate, and I run them without. Up to now never encountered a policeman while on the road. I do carry a plate which can be attached should it be necessary.Front plate absent, rear plate present and correct, standard size and lettering.
I thought that the UK was reasonable strict on number plate format - size and lettering - and that all number plates from reputable sources complied with this. As I'm not in the UK (although I do have a couple of cars there) I don't really know enough. The cars I have in the UK are garage-sourced with standard plates.
ddom said:
I realise not having a number plate is the crime of the century and certain posters appear to link the removal of, fitting vanity and the like to the owner squatting in a drugs den.
But legally I do have a question. My better half took one of the cars out for a drive and by a twist of fate was at some temporary traffic lights near to my parents. She had a daughter with her. On the pavement a bike cop had just pulled someone in and as she puts it ‘gestured to her to pull over’ Now. I’d have probably just driven off as the cop was off his bike and merely dominating the pavement. She didn’t.
After the usual police sarcasm he explained it was a very serious offence. That’s ok. Then he started asking where she was going, and had she experience of the car. That’s a bit weird. Finally he asked if the number plate was a ‘vanity plate’, which it’s not and it’s standard in size and layout, before telling her it’s too small, again nonsense then told her he could ‘remove the plate immediately and have it de-registered’. This meant, he said, that we would find it ‘almost impossible to ever use the car on the road again’
Fair play to her no ticket. Daughter suggested he followed them home and arrested daddy, but to no avail.
What level of BS is this exactly? Is this really just pure intimidation as I cannot see he would have ever said the same to a man? On the bright side maybe I’d have coughed up £100, unlikely though as I have never been bothered once before.
Is this a new Police thing..de-registering auto powers
Which of the 4 questions do you need an answer to?But legally I do have a question. My better half took one of the cars out for a drive and by a twist of fate was at some temporary traffic lights near to my parents. She had a daughter with her. On the pavement a bike cop had just pulled someone in and as she puts it ‘gestured to her to pull over’ Now. I’d have probably just driven off as the cop was off his bike and merely dominating the pavement. She didn’t.
After the usual police sarcasm he explained it was a very serious offence. That’s ok. Then he started asking where she was going, and had she experience of the car. That’s a bit weird. Finally he asked if the number plate was a ‘vanity plate’, which it’s not and it’s standard in size and layout, before telling her it’s too small, again nonsense then told her he could ‘remove the plate immediately and have it de-registered’. This meant, he said, that we would find it ‘almost impossible to ever use the car on the road again’
Fair play to her no ticket. Daughter suggested he followed them home and arrested daddy, but to no avail.
What level of BS is this exactly? Is this really just pure intimidation as I cannot see he would have ever said the same to a man? On the bright side maybe I’d have coughed up £100, unlikely though as I have never been bothered once before.
Is this a new Police thing..de-registering auto powers
Edit: 4 questions...
That's what they say. I ran no plate on my RS6 and must have been pulled over 3 or 4 times. I received a fine once. It comes down to how organised the DVLA is, or how much they really care. This is the public sector after all.
I've never read of it ever actually happen. It's not a police power though from what I have been told (by the police who have pulled me over), they've always said it if you keep getting the same fine, they will take it away.
I've never read of it ever actually happen. It's not a police power though from what I have been told (by the police who have pulled me over), they've always said it if you keep getting the same fine, they will take it away.
thelostboy said:
That's what they say. I ran no plate on my RS6 and must have been pulled over 3 or 4 times. I received a fine once. It comes down to how organised the DVLA is, or how much they really care. This is the public sector after all.
I've never read of it ever actually happen. It's not a police power though from what I have been told (by the police who have pulled me over), they've always said it if you keep getting the same fine, they will take it away.
Perfect. Thanks!I've never read of it ever actually happen. It's not a police power though from what I have been told (by the police who have pulled me over), they've always said it if you keep getting the same fine, they will take it away.
The number plate 'blowing' off is mitigation. Not displaying, bang to rights m'lud.
I'd suggest it should be better secured, although no plate at all is a lesser offence than a stupid sized one.
If it's a bog standard plate, de-registering the one it has and issuing another is pointless.
I'd suggest it should be better secured, although no plate at all is a lesser offence than a stupid sized one.
If it's a bog standard plate, de-registering the one it has and issuing another is pointless.
thelostboy said:
That's what they say. I ran no plate on my RS6 and must have been pulled over 3 or 4 times. I received a fine once. It comes down to how organised the DVLA is, or how much they really care. This is the public sector after all.
I've never read of it ever actually happen. It's not a police power though from what I have been told (by the police who have pulled me over), they've always said it if you keep getting the same fine, they will take it away.
If you keep being pulled why not do as the law says and fit the front plate?? I've never read of it ever actually happen. It's not a police power though from what I have been told (by the police who have pulled me over), they've always said it if you keep getting the same fine, they will take it away.
99.99‰ of vehicles comply with having fitted two plates, one front, one rear. Why would you remove a plate which you know full well is going to cause you problems?
One does marvel at the stupidity of people who deliberately break a law to do something that gives them nothing of value at all.
Even if there was an argument that ‘it looks better’ the only person who might think that is, presumably, in the car and can’t see it. No one else gives a damn and they won’t even register the car, let alone that it has no number plate. (Other than those who’s job it is to look for these things).
But then you read some of the posts and you get a sense of the sort of people these are.
Even if there was an argument that ‘it looks better’ the only person who might think that is, presumably, in the car and can’t see it. No one else gives a damn and they won’t even register the car, let alone that it has no number plate. (Other than those who’s job it is to look for these things).
But then you read some of the posts and you get a sense of the sort of people these are.
Fish said:
Not displaying a plate is a fixed non endorsable fine. Displaying th wrong sized or style plate can be endorsable and larger fine. Also DVLA can remove right to display..
Incorrect. In either case, £100 fixed penalty or a fine of up to £1000 at court.Neither offence is endorsable.
V8fan said:
bang to rights
yes, absolutely my own fault, no problem with that at all. It didn't 'blow off' it was removed LosingGrip said:
Cos it looks well cool mate. Makes the car look nicer and gives me extra speed for the weight saved.
yes, it does enhance the car IMO.LosingGrip said:
I've got a VW Golf. I wanted something newer and ideally auto....Test drove a Insignia which whilst nice was way to big for what I wanted.
....we can all dream 
REALIST123 said:
One does marvel at the stupidity of people who deliberately break a law to do something that gives them nothing of value at all......But then you read some of the posts and you get a sense of the sort of people these are.
what sort of people are those Mr REALIST123 the same types of people that pigeon hole others and reply to a thread clearly stating that the OP doesn't care about the personal take on it, those pepole eh Mikebentley said:
Front plates are for a reason, ie identifying a vehicle. It’s not big or clever to not display them it just shows an arrogance.
nobody said it was either big, or clever. It's a personal choice. Nice Bentley by the way. 
Thanks all for the input
I shall have a stern word with the fleet today and tell them just what a naughty bunch they are. Mods, if you wish you may lock this thread as the original question has been kindlly answered.
Stay safe, enjoy your cars!
normalbloke said:
You appear to have an ‘interesting ‘ opinion of the Police and their role. At what age did you develop this, and was there a particular event that triggered it? Genuinely interested.
That's a strange turn, why would you ask that? In this case I felt it was clearly intimidation based on a load of clap trap. Interestingly it's a half truth what the guy said but not much to do with the Police more the DVLA if they get lots of reports on the same vehicle. Which is fine. As is....the fine Slightly O/T but why do (some) car dealerships use sticky pads to fix number plates on?
Wife got a new car last year and whilst I was washing it the other week the rear number plate actually fell off. Could quite easily have happened whilst driving, leading to the offence in discussion being committed.
All because the dealer had used 3 little double-sided sticky pads to stick it to the car - no doubt they'd say because it looks better with no screws etc but more likely down to time & cost...
Wife got a new car last year and whilst I was washing it the other week the rear number plate actually fell off. Could quite easily have happened whilst driving, leading to the offence in discussion being committed.
All because the dealer had used 3 little double-sided sticky pads to stick it to the car - no doubt they'd say because it looks better with no screws etc but more likely down to time & cost...
catso said:
Slightly O/T but why do (some) car dealerships use sticky pads to fix number plates on?
Wife got a new car last year and whilst I was washing it the other week the rear number plate actually fell off. Could quite easily have happened whilst driving, leading to the offence in discussion being committed.
All because the dealer had used 3 little double-sided sticky pads to stick it to the car - no doubt they'd say because it looks better with no screws etc but more likely down to time & cost...
It's just dealer laziness. A few blobs of silicone sealant does a decent job, and is easily removed when and if you need. Wife got a new car last year and whilst I was washing it the other week the rear number plate actually fell off. Could quite easily have happened whilst driving, leading to the offence in discussion being committed.
All because the dealer had used 3 little double-sided sticky pads to stick it to the car - no doubt they'd say because it looks better with no screws etc but more likely down to time & cost...
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