Got pulled

[hobo]

Yesterday afternoon was riding around, when I noticed a cop on a bike parked up. As I went passed I did the obligitary 'nod' & carried on my business.

Anyway, 1/2 mile up the road, I notice the guy behind me. Next thing I know flashing lights & siren.

I pull over to be asked 'do you know what I stopped you for ?', 'no' I responded.

Anyway, it seems that my number plate is way too small, in fact he said that its so small that speed cameras wouldn't be able to read the numbers/letters. He didn't do me & was actually a decent enough guy, but just said that if he saw me again he would have no option but to do me.

So, my question. What exactly can they do ? Points ? Fine ?

He also tried to say my visor was illegal, which he later found to be completely wrong, as it is legal, and also questioned whether the exhaust was road legal, even though its standard (suppose they don't know everything about every bike though).

[catso]

You weren't riding like your profile pic were you?

I think the penalty for small plate is usually £30 & rectification notice but no points, same for loud exhaust, don't know about dark visor but I'm not certain on this. I use all 3, but not in the dark (black visor that is) and have never been pulled for any of them (probably will now I've said that ) but my plate is not too small and I keep the noise down in built-up areas. Fortunately, for now at least, Bike Cops generally have the most sensible and tolerant views to bikers and only a real Jobsworth Arse (and idiot) would pull you over for a dark visor on a bright day, personally I would be more of a danger with a clear visor in bright sunshine as my eyes are not very tolerant to bright light.

I would advise a 'sensible' if not fully legal plate might help you avoid a repeat performance.

[Rawwr]

You get one of these... *ahem*

[hobo]

But, what with the bike being soooo small, its looks ridiculous with a large plate (like the one which came as standard), hence why I changed it so something which suits it much better.

Assuming that I don't get points & am tempted to leave the plate on & just cough up if I get caught from time to time.

[Rawwr]

£30 fine and if you keep getting caught you'll eventually get points, so I'm told.

[DamienCBR]

catso said:

You weren't riding like your profile pic were you?

That will get Mr Plods attention for sure!

[Naughty Magpie]

Rawwr said:

You get one of these... *ahem*

Oh no! Is that for having a small plate?

[Robbo SPS]

Rawwr said:

£30 fine and if you keep getting caught you'll eventually get points, so I'm told.

Not true good man.

This offence doesnt carry penalty points at this moment in time.

Potentially you copuld be detained and taken in for perverting justice, if there are records a number plate simular to yours etc has been evading cameras !!

I have met a "jobsworth" and he took me straight to court.
£85 plus £30 costs for a small plate !!

I have worked with him since

[BliarOut]

Robbo SPS said:

Rawwr said: £30 fine and if you keep getting caught you'll eventually get points, so I'm told. Not true good man. This offence doesnt carry penalty points at this moment in time. Potentially you copuld be detained and taken in for perverting justice, if there are records a number plate simular to yours etc has been evading cameras !! I have met a "jobsworth" and he took me straight to court. £85 plus £30 costs for a small plate !! I have worked with him since

If it's small enough there won't be any records

[catso]

BliarOut said:

If it's small enough there won't be any records

indeed.....

[ButcherSlayer]

You can get 3 points! I should know! and the fine can be whatever they like. It all depends how many times you get pulled to be honest. Get a plate thats alittle smaller then legal & there not overly bothered, If you have a tiny plate like I did then im afraid its asking for trouble.
Seems to me were all to vain about our number plates! Rather have my licence to enjoy my bike never mind points & fine!

[BobM]

catso said:

I think the penalty for small plate is usually £30 & rectification notice but no points, same for loud exhaust, don't know about dark visor but I'm not certain on this.

I checked on the visor issue last week - non endorsable £30. Here's the stuff I found:

At present the police can deal with this offence either by an oral warning or prosecution; the availability of a fixed penalty notice will provide greater flexibility of response. In the most serious cases the police will still be able to prosecute because of the serious risks posed to other road users as well as to the offending motorcyclist. This is a non-endorsable offence for which offenders issued with a fixed penalty notice will pay a fine of £30.

I spoke to my mate who's an ex-bike cop, reckons you'd be unlucky to actually get prosecuted for either a visor or an exhaust, most cops don't care and have better things to do. If they did take any notice more than likely just a warning or a rectification notice.