Private Number Plate

[petrolhead76]

Quick question guys - I've got my private plates on retention (got the certificate) and I've just dropped the neccesary details into the post for the DVLA so I can put them onto my newly acquired M3.

Now can I just put the private plates onto my car now or do I have to wait for the DVLA to send me confirmation back?

If I need to wait, is it a risk to put the private plates on without the confirmation (as they are registered in my name) - i.e. if the police stop me is it a points on the licence job?

Thanks,

PH76

[Big Al.]

IIRC you CANNOT use you new plates until they have been registered against your vehicle.

[petrolhead76]

Thanks Mate - If I get caught is it a points on the licence affair ?

[calum_ek]

No, £30 fine

[petrolhead76]

Think I'll risk it in that case - never seen a police car in the 5 years of commuting to work (only 3 miles away) so fingers crossed !!

Thanks for the quick responses.

[Balmoral Green]

They will send you a new V5C and a new VEL to display on the screen, when you get that, you can put the new plates on. It should stay on the old plate and VEL until then. If you got pulled by a particularly arsey bib, you may lose the plate completely if it got pressed, as the DVLA can withdraw a personal plate if they wish.

Edited by Balmoral Green on Sunday 9th December 13:21

[paoloh]

I thought they could only take it back if you misrepresented it.

I've always just stuck them on and never been stopped.

I even had a serious accident in a car with the wrong plates on it, just said" i thought I could do that officer" and they were cool.

[Balmoral Green]

paoloh said:

I've always just stuck them on and never been stopped.

But probably after the transfer had been processed and you had your new VEL surely?

If you put them on before, the actual number itself is irrelevant, you may as well put next doors number, or any random number on the car. Either way that number is not registered to the car, the old number still is.

[paoloh]

No, I always did it before as I'm so impatient.....

Never been stopped but even after the accident, the BIB's left plates on and let me drive away.

[Balmoral Green]

paoloh said:

I thought they could only take it back if you misrepresented it.

Displaying it on a car to which it was as yet unnassigned might fit that description? Not to mention the car not actually displaying it's current registration number at all.

It's like me popping out now and taking the plates off my car, and putting other ones on instead. I know the OP has just bunged stuff in the post, but for heavens sake, come on.

And what if the PO or DVLA manage to lose it all?

[paoloh]

Balmoral Green said:

paoloh said:

I thought they could only take it back if you misrepresented it.

Displaying it on a car to which it was as yet unnassigned might fit that description? Not to mention the car not actually displaying it's current registration number at all.

It's like me popping out now and taking the plates off my car, and putting other ones on instead. I know the OP has just bunged stuff in the post, but for heavens sake, come on.

And what if the PO or DVLA manage to lose it all?

I'm not saying it's right, I'm saying I've done it.

You roll your dice, you take your chance.

The worst that could happen to the OP is £30 fine if BIB's are that way inclined but most will just let it go. ( in my experience )

[miniandy]

Take it in to the local office and get it done there and then.

[RS-Dog]

miniandy said:

Take it in to the local office and get it done there and then.

Seconded - on the off chance there is an office near you.

Surely if the police were feeling duely inclined they could pull you for the plates not matching the tax disk? Is it really worth the hassle as opposed to waiting a few extra days? If god forbis you were involved in an accident and your plate was noted and turned out to be invalid at the time is that not going to be a whole world of hassle?

Rich

[Cooperman]

I got my authorisation back from DVLA within 5 working days and that was just last week. The problem is not having the incorrect plates (a £30 fine), it's the displaying of a tax disc with a different number rom the plates which is the real problem if caught.

[Firkin Dogbolter]

A number plate on retention is an over the counter transaction at a local VRO no matter whether you place on a new unregistered car or previously registered vehicle. Putting the plate on retention or carrying out a cherished transfer takes from 10 days.

As said already your plates and tax disc need to match.

[biglepton]

I'd be more worried about potentially driving an uninsured car. You swap the plates before the DVLA have processed the paperwork and you get pulled the DVLA will be telling Mr Plod one reg number and your insurance certificate may have the other number on it. Wait until you are sure that the DVLA have finished their ministrations and save yourself a potential minefield.