Bonnet mounted number plates

[grovest]

I really like the look of the 60’s – 70’s style bonnet mounted self-adhesive front number plates that were popular on classic sports cars. Not only do they look good IMO, but they give an unobstructed front intake for air into all the essential parts of the Cerb. However I believe they may be technically illegal depending on the age of the car.

Does anyone have these on their Cerb and if so have you ever had problems from the authorities? I know it may seem trivial but I’m sure I’ll do porridge for even thinking about doing this compared with some OAP-mugging oik who will get a holiday in the Maldives to correct their ways.

[itiejim]

It's definately illegal, whether you have any problems or not is the great unknown!

[FUBAR]

Far Eastender runs the bonnet mounted plate without problems so far afaik

[cerberatony]

I fitted such a plate on my dodge viper kit car, reduced in size as well of course. it passed the mot and never had a problem with the police. also did the same on my tiger cat e1 like a lotus 7 again no problem.

[TvrJohn]

Yeh i've been running my silver Cerb for years with std black nos/letters stuck straight onto the 'silver' bonnet.
When it goes in for MOT i tape over them and tie wrap a std plate to the Grille sorted.

[VPower]

Are they illegal for any particular reason?
Not refelctive????

I have one ready to fit.
Full size and correct colour.
Much easier to see I'd think.

[grovest]

Thanks for the replies. I've just found this http://www.craigsplates.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=...

[SGirl]

I used to have a bonnet-mounted plate on my Griff. When I swapped the registration I was happy to move it to the regulation position, but I couldn't get the thing off so I ended up having to put the new one over the old one. Never any problems from the authorities, not stopped at all.

That doesn't mean they wouldn't take an interest, just that I never got stopped for it!

[itiejim]

VPower said:

Are they illegal for any particular reason?
Not refelctive????

Legislation says they have to be fitted in a vertical plane. Contrary to popular belief it isn't an MOT failure but is is a DVLA offence. Currently this means a fine of £30 with no points, however, with the proliferation of ANPR cameras (automatic number plate reading) irregular number plates are likely to be dealt with positively as often they can't be read.

This means that any mobile ANPR units are likely to stop you are the system registers an error when you pass and also, if your car is stolen and registered as such it is much less likely to be picked up by the fixed ANPR cameras.

[SimonSparrow]

I've had one on the front of mine for almost six years. My old 3000M also had a bonnet mounted plate. I use 'motorcycle' size letters, which aren't too small.

No problems thus far, but on each car when I tried no front plate at all I was pulled within 24 hours and 'advised' to put it back on.

[VPower]

itiejim said:

VPower said:

Are they illegal for any particular reason?
Not refelctive????

Legislation says they have to be fitted in a vertical plane. Contrary to popular belief it isn't an MOT failure but is is a DVLA offence. Currently this means a fine of £30 with no points, however, with the proliferation of ANPR cameras (automatic number plate reading) irregular number plates are likely to be dealt with positively as often they can't be read.

This means that any mobile ANPR units are likely to stop you are the system registers an error when you pass and also, if your car is stolen and registered as such it is much less likely to be picked up by the fixed ANPR cameras.

Thanks for the info Jim.

I think I'll risk it, as I often pass the ANPR cameras at the Sheppard and Flock roundabout near Farnham.
The Camera looks down, so should be able to read it if they are out when I'm in the Cerb.
I'll keep the old plate in the boot, just in case and "explain" it was for cooling purposes!
Hopefully I'll meet that Happy Copper who is rumoured to have some common sense left.

[Far Eastender]

I can confirm no recorded offences in the past three years since I fitted the bonnet mounted plate.