Another Registration Plate discussion for Monaro

[GrumpyV8]

Trying to get a definitive answer from official sources regarding sizing for the front number plate of a Monaro, I pinged off an enquiry to VCA (Vehicle Certification Agency) regarding type approval. I have just received the following reply:


Regarding your enquiry about the Type Approval number of your vehicle (LC3xxxxxx), this was done as a Minister’s Approval certificate for a low Volume Motor vehicle

(BRITISH NATIONAL TYPE APPROVAL MINISTER’S APPROVAL CERTIFICATE FOR A LOW VOLUME MOTOR VEHICLE)

and as such doesn’t address the issue of registration plate size.

There is nothing in the document relating to registration plate or registration plate size.



Current EC Type Approval legislation requires a certain sized space for the rear registration plates, but this wasn’t a requirement for UK National Low Volume Approval in 2004.

The Road Vehicles (Display of Registration Marks) (Amendment) regulations 2002 which apply after the vehicle is registered, are not part of Type Approval, which applies prior to vehicle registration, and as such is outside the scope of VCA.



I hope this information helps





Regards

Kerry Waine

Technical Support Group



"It should be noted that the above represents our opinion, as interpretation of the law is the sole prerogative of the courts."





VCA Midlands Centre

Watling Street

Nuneaton

Warwickshire

CV10 0UA



Direct Line: [phone]



I quoted the type approval reference as shown on the V5C in the hope it would clarify the position with regards the exemption or otherwise of the Monaro. The reply talks about rear registration plate size so I am at a complete loss here. I know this subject has been done to death in the past with some posters stating the legislation is open to interpretation.

Can anyone point to unambiguous official statements concerning these low volume imports or are we still in a 'grey' area?

Many thanks.

[VinceM]

That appears to be specifically worded so that they do not take responsibility for you being caught and fined with an illegal number plate. The safest option is to use a standard, legal size of course although it may look odd but as has previously been said, if you are stopped and you start getting all "matter of fact" with the law then they will likely fine you as a result of your attitude rather than wrong doing. The inherent risk of it is small, so it's your decision whether the risk is worth it. Does anyone know how much the fine is?

[V88Dicky]

Those of us who slum it in CV8s have a recess in the front bumper that a normal sized plate simply will not fit in. I'm sure I've read that that is a requirement, along with other criteria, for displaying a smaller plate.

I have a smaller plate that fits perfectly, and have had no problems with either the BiB or VOSA or MOT man in over 7 years

[vxr2010]

http://www.motuk.co.uk/manual_630.htm

[vxr2010]

I hope the last post helps I had mine like that for over a year and a half , I've kept a standard front plate but same rules apply to the front , I've only changed the rear plate , I've had no problems with it, save a copy of legislation in case you get stopped as is not well known info

[DRC72]

As i have said many times before it relates mainly to the rear number plates on grey imports where they have a small square space for the rear number plate ie Jap grey imports.


The monaro will take a full size number plate so you will never win that argument.

If you do not like the look of a full size plate then buy a 5 digit number plate trimed down.


Hope this helps.

[ARAF]

DRC72 said:

The monaro will take a full size number plate so you will never win that argument.

That depends on the model. The CV8 will not take a full sized plate in the recess. The VXR has a protrusion for the plate, so it would be more difficult to justify an overhang.