Question for madcop?
Discussion
..or anyone else really
I've just started racing my caterham, so it is now covered in lots of stickers and race numbers.
I've been warned by several different people that I need to cover the race numbers whilst using the car on the road in order to avoid prosecution.
Is this for real?
What am I likely to be charged with?
Miraz
I've just started racing my caterham, so it is now covered in lots of stickers and race numbers.
I've been warned by several different people that I need to cover the race numbers whilst using the car on the road in order to avoid prosecution.
Is this for real?
What am I likely to be charged with?
Miraz
I believe it is a condition of your MSA competition license, and that by applying for the license you also agreed to accept the authority of the MSA. So the MSA could, in theory, impose a fine or ban you from competing. Has also been known for the clerk of the course to exclude competitors reported driving to/from a sprint with competition numbers on. Not saying it is likely, but enough of a threat to stop most people from taking the chance.
I've just had a read through some of the MSA documentation and can't find anything about it - I might well give them a call on Monday and seek their opinion directly.
Most people seem to put a strip of insulating tape across the numbers, which seems equally daft - the numbers are still fully visible.
Personally I don't like the look of the numbers on the car, but I'm usually in enough of a panic in the lead up to a race meeting that I'd prefer not to worry about needing to put another set of stickers on the car each time.
Most people seem to put a strip of insulating tape across the numbers, which seems equally daft - the numbers are still fully visible.
Personally I don't like the look of the numbers on the car, but I'm usually in enough of a panic in the lead up to a race meeting that I'd prefer not to worry about needing to put another set of stickers on the car each time.
bigtone said: Maybe i'm being thick, but why would it make any difference to the MSA if a car had numbers on before or after a sprint?
I imagine that if you had race numbers on and were caught being a twat on public roads they would take the view that you were bringing the sport into disrepute.
There is no regulation about what you can or cannot have painted on your car. So long as the visible sign or writing is not offensive, then you will not attract a legal penalty from the criminal law side.
The only offence you may commit would be under Section 5 of the Public Order Act if you had something offensive displayed. I can't think of any numbers which would come near to this other than 69 if it was modified to signify the sexual meaning of that number in some other way.
As long as you do not drive like a tit on the public roads you use, then you will not attract the unwanted attention of someone likely to curtail your passion.
I hope your race number isn't 69
The only offence you may commit would be under Section 5 of the Public Order Act if you had something offensive displayed. I can't think of any numbers which would come near to this other than 69 if it was modified to signify the sexual meaning of that number in some other way.
As long as you do not drive like a tit on the public roads you use, then you will not attract the unwanted attention of someone likely to curtail your passion.
I hope your race number isn't 69
regmolehusband said: I wouldn't leave the numbers on the side of my own Caterham for the simple reason that I believe it to be cowboyish.
WTF sort of comment is that? 'for the simple reason that I believe it to be cowboyish' oh sorry for anyone asking a question, god forbid that this site be used for the purpose
Just because the guy is thinking of leaving the numbers on the side of his car he is somehow a lesser competitor than you a coyboy? bit of a strong statement to offer As far as I know the reason for not having numbers on the side of your car is to do with the mixing up of results of competitions. For example in some road rallies there are timed road sections between the stages, said Caterham passing a check point or parked in the wrong car park could confuse/throw the times... simple as that.
Rich
Rich
Having been involved in competition up to international level for lots of years, the consensus of opinion within my circle of friends is that if you leave your numbers on for general day to day driving, you are a muppet. It's not your fault, we all used to do it until we started wearing long trousers....
I don't mean to be judgemental, but it can look a bit boy racerish. Do your comp. numbers change from event to event? If they do, there is no reason to leave them on really, is there?
From a self preservation point of view, if you are having a bit of a do, they might not get your reg. no., but a big comp. no. they will defo remember.
It sounds good in court as well - He was obviously speeding - he had race numbers on his car.
Sorry, but that's how I feel.
I don't mean to be judgemental, but it can look a bit boy racerish. Do your comp. numbers change from event to event? If they do, there is no reason to leave them on really, is there?
From a self preservation point of view, if you are having a bit of a do, they might not get your reg. no., but a big comp. no. they will defo remember.
It sounds good in court as well - He was obviously speeding - he had race numbers on his car.
Sorry, but that's how I feel.
The car has a full cage and all the other required stickers for towing points, fire extinguishers, electrical master switches, towing points, series sponsors, etc. It also has an aeroscreen, so I tend to wear a helmet if I'm driving it any distance - quite frankly the numbers are the least of it's problems when it comes to looking "boy racerish"
I'm competing in a series - my numbers don't change from meeting to meeting so I've got no real reason to remove them unless I'm worrying about my image or breaking some obscure regulation that nobody can identify.
I'm competing in a series - my numbers don't change from meeting to meeting so I've got no real reason to remove them unless I'm worrying about my image or breaking some obscure regulation that nobody can identify.
Each to their own I say. Dont worry, your car wont break any traffic legislation with regards to stickers etc. I daresay the max power lot would do with their bean tin exhausts and highly 'expressive' Novas!!!
I have only competed a few times, I was crap so good on you for keeping it up!!
Mike.
I have only competed a few times, I was crap so good on you for keeping it up!!
Mike.
i should check with your insurance first - they may conclude numbers equate to racing on the highway, numbers will also attract peoples attention, especially those who complain about noisy cars driving past their house.
rallying regs usually have a line to the effect that when you finish or retire numbers must be removed or obscured - you may find your rules and regs say the same, again best check.
rallying regs usually have a line to the effect that when you finish or retire numbers must be removed or obscured - you may find your rules and regs say the same, again best check.
RICCI said: Its definitely an insurance thing. Numbers on the side voids your insurance. We always put masking tape over them when we'd finished being rally drivers. Oh yes, and we didn't want to look like w*****s either!
Driving with a painted number on your car does not make it uninsured. Driving whilst pi55ed does not make your car uninsured! Failing to abide by any clause in the insurance may make it void depending on your explanation to the insurance company.
I have yet to see an insurance document that has restrictions for use in relation to the paint job.
Ferarri's are red. That means all red cars are racing cars. All red cars are therefore not insured?!!!
Sorry Madcop, you were right (you MUST be, you're the law!)I meant to say, you'd be screwed if you fell off the world then tried to make a claim. (There's something in my policy about competition use, pace making, speed testing.) Try and explain why you have numbers on the side of your car to your insurance company. They will use any excuse NOT to pay out. If it came out of the factory like that, no problem, otherwise, forget it!
P.S. My ferrari was silver. Do you think I could get my money back because it's not a racing car?
P.S. My ferrari was silver. Do you think I could get my money back because it's not a racing car?
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