Offence code 318003

[shadok]

Means nothing to me! But to Grampians finest , Stonehaven in particular, thought it an extremely big deal. My front number plate being three-quarter size does not conform to UK standard and will consequently cost me £30 fixed penalty. I tried arguing the EC whole type approval bit and that the space at the front of the Monaro can’t accommodate a standard size plate but they were having none of it. I even suggested they had nothing better to do which didn’t go down to well . Any one had a similar experience or know weather or not the vehicle has whole type approval etc so I’m prepared for next time when they jump out from behind a large lump of granite.

[yorkkie]

it has been posted before. I was stopped recently and produced a print out of the dvla site, the boys accepted it and apologised for the inconvenience. dont take the penalty

[shadok]

Too late!

Didn’t want to go to court unarmed.
But I do need to be prepared for next time.
Showed that DVLA printout but they said it didn’t apply.
Need something "c0ncrete" (name changed to protect the Captain).

[well_fans]

weird how some coppers seem to get all annoyed when you point out they could be doing something more useful I've got the small number plate and its been seen on many occasions, including last weekend parked at Knockhill by traffic officers and they've never even cast it a second glance. Think your lot had just got out of bed on the wrong side.

I'd be writing a letter of complaint I think.

[sjc]

Targets, targets, targets.

[stigmundfreud]

hmm a simple thought why use a small plate? I have full size proper plates and they do not destroy the look of the car so why even fit a smaller plate?

[bigwheel]

'cos it looks better
Turn up at Knockhill tomorrow and I'll prove it!

[shadok]

IMO small fits better, looks better and can still be read from a distance as proved by a recent ScamCamVan. But is it legal? If it’s not then I will change.

[stigmundfreud]

£30 fine says no

[shadok]

I’m not convinced, yet!

[Gas_Man]

I was recently given a producer by the BIB asking solely for sight of a valid MOT certificate (for a 04 car, under 3 years old) which was also wearing a small front plate. The size of the plate wasn't even mentioned.
I don't believe the Monaro has whole EC type approval, and since the space provided by the manufacturer is smaller than UK standard, then as the DVLA site states... not illegal.

[mackie1]

It is very much legal provided it conforms to the specs in the DVLA document.

I too have a small plate but have so far had no hassle about it.

Stigmund: I'd check that it isn't rubbing the paint away on the edges of the recess.

I don't seem to have the DVLA document in question anymore, does anyone have a link?

Edit: I found it, it's here: www.dvla.gov.uk/media/pdf/leaflets/displayofnumberplates.pdf

Edited by mackie1 on Sunday 20th May 16:58

[well_fans]

saw the offending number plate today and I reckon he was always going to be in bother because of the height of the letters, that more than the plate size is probably what attracted them to him in the first place.

[mackie1]

Ah well that would make sense. It's the size and font of the characters that matters most I think. Mine a pretty much bang on spec apart from height which is about 2mm (big deal!) shorter than they should be. I'll probably get a plate made up exactly to the rules at some point.

[baz7175]

I run a bike sized plate on the front of the car so that the standard lettering sizes can be used and it fits easily inside the front bumper recess...

[shadok]

OK characters are too small at 40mm height so guilty as charged. Going to sort it now.

[stigmundfreud]

pah you didnt tell us that originally

[RobKarloff]

Take it that it's your black VXR I've seen around Aberdeen on occasion then!!

Can't wait to get my hands on one.

[shadok]

Stigmundo – Ok I left out some detail, my apologies. Never realized how small small was till I measured it. Never realized size matted that much, after all its only a number.

[shadok]

Rob – Could well be, not aware of another!