Does a US import legally require a front plate in the UK
Discussion
As per title really. I was pulled over last night for 2 reasons,
No front number plate and the rear number plate isn’t a UK size.
In terms of the rear plate the actual bumper recess is only physically large enough for a US size plate, a UK size one literally won’t fit.
In terms of the front plate, I was under the impression a US import didn’t legally require one,can anyway clarify this?
No front number plate and the rear number plate isn’t a UK size.
In terms of the rear plate the actual bumper recess is only physically large enough for a US size plate, a UK size one literally won’t fit.
In terms of the front plate, I was under the impression a US import didn’t legally require one,can anyway clarify this?
I'm certain US imports do require a front plate. However, my understanding is that if the car's manufacture does not allow for the fitting of a standard size rear plate (i.e. the aperture isn't big enough) then a smaller (US sized) plate is acceptable.
Be good if someone who actually knows the law can confirm? Or is there anyone on here who has actually been prosecuted for an undersized rear plate on a car that can't accommodate a standard plate?
Be good if someone who actually knows the law can confirm? Or is there anyone on here who has actually been prosecuted for an undersized rear plate on a car that can't accommodate a standard plate?
The cars registered in the UK and has a UK registration.
The rear plate is 5 letters/numbers, UK standard font, spacing correct.
With the front plate, The amount police who have seen the car with no plate, I was also pulled over during the covid restrictions where the officer wanted to know why I was out and about, satisfied with my reason he proceeded to look around the car and made no mention of the lack of plate, combined with my assumption the car was exempt I never believed otherwise.
Looks much better without so I wasn’t going to have one fitted if I didn’t have to, if I do then I’ll have one put on.
The rear plate is 5 letters/numbers, UK standard font, spacing correct.
With the front plate, The amount police who have seen the car with no plate, I was also pulled over during the covid restrictions where the officer wanted to know why I was out and about, satisfied with my reason he proceeded to look around the car and made no mention of the lack of plate, combined with my assumption the car was exempt I never believed otherwise.
Looks much better without so I wasn’t going to have one fitted if I didn’t have to, if I do then I’ll have one put on.
Edited by 355spider on Sunday 2nd October 16:12
It’s on the gov.uk website if you look, front and back plates must be displayed.
Unless of course you drive an Audi or BMW bruv, in which case it can go in the front of the dash blud innit. It just fell off officer I’ll put it back on tomz honest.
Unless of course you drive an Audi or BMW bruv, in which case it can go in the front of the dash blud innit. It just fell off officer I’ll put it back on tomz honest.
Edited by SLK55AMG on Sunday 2nd October 16:20
If it was manufactured before 1/1/80, it can have black and silver number plates.
ETA: it was originally pre-1973 but when the 'historic' category was re-introduced in 2015, the plate entitlement had been accidentally rolled into it.
https://www.mgcc.co.uk/dvla-release-new-laws-on-bl...
ETA: it was originally pre-1973 but when the 'historic' category was re-introduced in 2015, the plate entitlement had been accidentally rolled into it.
https://www.mgcc.co.uk/dvla-release-new-laws-on-bl...
Edited by sixor8 on Sunday 2nd October 16:23
Isn't it a requirement to make certain modifications in order to qualify for a UK registration certificate? E.g. a speedo in KMH needs to read in MPH, and presumably OP a Yank car needs the red rear indicators to be adjusted to orange? Presumably those requirements would also extend to fitting appropriate numberplates?
Owner of a US import here, front number plate should be legal standard size letters/numbers/spacing, as an import the rear aperature will not accept a standard UK size plate so legally you are allowed a smaller plate so letters/numbers/spacing will be smaller, have been stopped a few times since importing it in 2006 everytime informing me my rear plate is illegal,one officer even got on the radio to the traffic sergeant who stated "if it is registered in the UK it must be on UK sized plates!" didn't go down well when pulled a print out from the glovebox that I had printed from the DVLA website showing my rear plate was infact legal
CubanPete said:
The number plates should also be vertical, though there is some dispensation on the front of it is difficult to mount.
Technically sticker plates aren't acceptable, but I am not aware of anyone having been done for it.
I've been done for it in the Atom, albeit it was about the fiftieth cop that had had a good look at the car that did me for itTechnically sticker plates aren't acceptable, but I am not aware of anyone having been done for it.
SLK55AMG said:
...
Unless of course you drive an Audi or BMW bruv, in which case it can go in the front of the dash blud innit. It just fell off officer I’ll put it back on tomz honest.
...
Don't forget Mercedes! They can run without them too.Unless of course you drive an Audi or BMW bruv, in which case it can go in the front of the dash blud innit. It just fell off officer I’ll put it back on tomz honest.
...
On a serious note, why anyone thinks they can exempt themselves from the law because it "looks better" is beyond me. I could understand if they were trying to evade speed cameras at least, that may be wrong but I at least understand it.
Front plate definitely required but back when I had a Monaro there was some leeway on front plate recess too. The previous owner had made up a smaller (but correct format/construction) plate that fitted into the recess designed for Aussie plates. I kept a DVLA printout in the glovebox just in case but I never got pulled up on it.
355spider said:
The
With the front plate, The amount police who have seen the car with no plate, I was also pulled over during the covid restrictions where the officer wanted to know why I was out and about, satisfied with my reason he proceeded to look around the car and made no mention of the lack of plate, combined with my assumption the car was exempt I never believed otherwise.
Looks much better without so I wasn’t going to have one fitted if I didn’t have to, if I do then I’ll have one put on.
Whether Mr P noticed or not is not relevant, just because they are there (amongst other things) to uphold the law doesn't mean they know them all.With the front plate, The amount police who have seen the car with no plate, I was also pulled over during the covid restrictions where the officer wanted to know why I was out and about, satisfied with my reason he proceeded to look around the car and made no mention of the lack of plate, combined with my assumption the car was exempt I never believed otherwise.
Looks much better without so I wasn’t going to have one fitted if I didn’t have to, if I do then I’ll have one put on.
Edited by 355spider on Sunday 2nd October 16:12
Yes, you need one.
sixor8 said:
If it was manufactured before 1/1/80, it can have black and silver number plates.
ETA: it was originally pre-1973 but when the 'historic' category was re-introduced in 2015, the plate entitlement had been accidentally rolled into it.
https://www.mgcc.co.uk/dvla-release-new-laws-on-bl...
Read it properly and then get your info from the correct source, not some car enthusiasts websiteETA: it was originally pre-1973 but when the 'historic' category was re-introduced in 2015, the plate entitlement had been accidentally rolled into it.
https://www.mgcc.co.uk/dvla-release-new-laws-on-bl...
Edited by sixor8 on Sunday 2nd October 16:23
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