Number Plate Legality?

[cunning plan]

What is the deal with number plates on a vehicle this old?

The last dub I had was the '87 wedge which I wanted to put pre-'73 plates on it (the black and silver tin ones) which I couldnt as it was just too obvious that they werent supposed to be on there..

I know that IF you get pulled over with illegal plates on you can get fined but some people have said as long as you say you were on your way back from a show or something similar you can get away with it.

Just wanted to get everyone's opinions on this. My plan was to put Texas-styled yank plates on it (mines an orignal '68 RHD UK spec, but I just like the way yank plates look). Or I may decide last minute to put the black and silver tins on. But before I do what do you guys think about the legality of the plates?

(not sure why Im asking about this right now as this is more of a finishing touch and I still have alot of work to do on the bus, but you know what its like you can get carried away with looking at accessories :lol: )

 

[Guest]

like you said unless your 73 or younger you cant fit black and white/silver im not sure that the cops could tell on a latebay but definitely on a wedge, american plates are totally illegal period. I guess its up to the copper whether he/she is in a good mood or not, but can you get points for illegal plates? laws are slightly different over here and i think they are stricter on the enforcement, we would never get away with american style at all.

 

[Clem]

Johnny is right, US plates on Vws are never legal .... they 'can' be legal on some imported Yank cars with specific number plate apertures in the bodywork - but thats all.

Thats said, Ive run them for a couple of years with no problems whatsoever ..... and 'folk in the street' often think its actually an original US number (quite why though, I dunno)

On a UK RHD van, Id run UK black/white or silver plates, but thats a choice thing.

 

[clyde]

Never had a problem with US style plates (been running them for over 3 years). I did choose black back ground with off white numbers though. 1 to suit the bus, 2 to stay true to the original black/yellow Cali plate and 3 to try a not draw to much attention.
They just look like small pre 73 plates in a US frame. Maybe colours like Blue/Yellow Cali style for instance might draw the law........................

Like Clem said id go with nice pressed black/silver on a right hand drive bus, i only run US plates because my bus is a US bus.

 

[Guest]

this is really funny but i was reading today that the fine for not wearing seat belts and illegal number plates has doubled from £30 to £60 yesterday. So its just a fine at worst which isnt that bad.

 

[Graham L]

My van passed its MOT a couple of weeks ago with US style plates on with no problem, weren't even mentioned

 

[clyde]

Yeah i never change mine for the test but its not part of it i dont think, if it is its just an advisory.

 

[Doris]

Also, I suppose its down to the individual copper who (if at all) pulls you.Technically - they're not legal, but then again,is it worth the paper work for him as he know quite well, you'll put the pukka ones on, get the pink slip stamped then put your naughty ones back on.its just the luck of the draw - is it legal? - No. what's the chance of getting done? - I'd say not high. If your bus was a nail with bits falling off it, then, maybe you'd attract attention and be asking to be looked over by a keen bobby.

A reason they clamp down on bikers is they have tiny little ones and are too fast to be pictured on camera's - no chance of that with a Volksie!

 

[clyde]

That reminds me, i got a speeding fine in my van a few months ago (camera) They didnt mention anything about my plate being to small/un readable or of the wrong size etc. Just stung me for 3 points and a fine for speeding in the newly formed 30 area.

 

[creationblue]

That reminds me, i got a speeding fine in my van a few months ago (camera) They didnt mention anything about my plate being to small/un readable or of the wrong size etc. Just stung me for 3 points and a fine for speeding in the newly formed 30 area.

Good point that, I went thru a red light back last yr, it came to court in April (i got stitched up but thats another story) but they didnt mention by US plates :lol:

Just

 

[Slammed]

Mine failed the MOT for having stickers on the bumper instead of a proper plate, so I got one made up which sits in the back in case I get pulled. So it is a part of the MOT, in Norfolk anyway!

I've also been fined £30 on the spot for running German plates on my GTi, but no points for that one.

8)

 

[cunning plan]

Mine failed the MOT for having stickers on the bumper instead of a proper plate, so I got one made up which sits in the back in case I get pulled. So it is a part of the MOT, in Norfolk anyway!

I've also been fined £30 on the spot for running German plates on my GTi, but no points for that one.

8)

 

[craigB]

Where is the best place to get these American Plates made up? I'm after a set to replace the standard ones I have on my '69 van at the moment.

And for you guys that have them do you have the year of manufacturer in the corner and the state the van came from through the centre of the plate near the top? Or would this attract to much attention from the plod?

I'm also after a metal surround but can't find any original ones up for sale at the moment though, any ideas?

Cheers!

 

[birchyman]

you can use 12" by6" us style plates if your vehicle is a import with a resess for the plate so you could argue the toss that your engine lid is ressesed but i guess it depends on the copper ive used a plate thats black and silver with florida on for 3 years no probs

 

[clyde]

Statesplates (google it)

 

[Graham L]

I bought my US style plates from Craigsplates.com, they will put year of manufacture in the corners etc.

I bought my surrounds off a chap on the Samba, there always seems to some for sale on there. Not cheap though if you are after original ones be prepared to pay nearly £100 for a pair by the time they are shipped.

 

[faux]

I have used black (background) and white (letters) US style plates on my past 2 buses with no problems, it did come out with an adviser on my last MOT but even the tester was not 100% and said he thought it was ok.

 

[baron]

you can use 12" by6" us style plates if your vehicle is a import with a resess for the plate so you could argue the toss that your engine lid is ressesed but i guess it depends on the copper ive used a plate thats black and silver with florida on for 3 years no probs

though the law is specific that you can only use US style plates if the recess is sized specifically for US plates, and wouldn't take a uk plate - so it depends on how well the copper knows his sub sections

that said, the law used to be that you could run with plates from the country it was first registered in. it changed about 2001/2002, so my defense will be that i checked when i bought my van and it was ok then

 

[ant]

You should be proud your bus is a brit bus and show with your plates (i know i am)

 

[sparkywig]

You should be proud your bus is a brit bus and show with your plates (i know i am)

My plates are the only thing without rust..................... :lol: