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Motor Tricycle number plates
smart51 - 7/7/09 at 10:25 AM

I've just been sent a link to the DVLA rules on number plates. On the third page it says:

quote:

Motorcycles and tricycles registered after 1.9.2001 must only display a number plate at therear of the vehicle.

Motorcycles and tricycles registered before 1.9.2001 can display a number plate at the frontbut are not required to.


Does that mean I cannot by law have a front number plate on my scooter engined but full bodied 3 wheeler? I've made a special flat bit on the front to mount the number plate and everything.

[Edited on 7-7-2009 by smart51]

Humbug - 7/7/09 at 10:33 AM

According to that rule you have quote, you "must not"... having said that, I don't think that any copper is going to fine you for having a plate! I think all the Grinnalls, Malone Skunks that I have seen, even ones more recent than 2001, have had a plate on the front, so I think you should be OK. Maybe in practice it depends if you have a two front wheel trike as opposed to a two back wheel trike?

Mr Whippy - 7/7/09 at 11:29 AM

why do you want a front plate? Certainly most robin reliants have them but the carver doesn't so personally I'd leave it off

oldtimer - 7/7/09 at 12:04 PM

This was a law brought in to stop the in-line metal numberplates that were attached to motorcycle front mudguards (I believe) - they were a bit like a sythe and deemed dangerous. I guess the exemption for three wheelers was directed at motorcycle style 3 wheelers not full bodied ones.

smart51 - 7/7/09 at 12:27 PM

quote:
Originally posted by Mr Whippy
why do you want a front plate? Certainly most robin reliants have them but the carver doesn't so personally I'd leave it off


Relant stopped making cars in 2000 was it? before the cut off date.

True, the Carver doesn't have a front plate. Perhaps I don't need one after all. The question now is do I fill in the flat on the front or just leave it as it is?

smart51 - 14/7/09 at 02:05 PM

I had this email from the DVLA

"As your tricycle is derived from a motorcycle, it must meet the

specifications for motorcycle number plates and only display the number

plate on the rear of the vehicle"

So that's it then. I'll be taking a grinder to the front then and patching in a new bit of GRP. It's annoying because I'd lined up the indicator mounts to be level with the number plate. Still, forward facing speed camera and SPECS cameras should cause me no problems.