the dept for transport are proposing to add 2 changes to the m.o.t,
1 the display of illegal number plates
2 checking tow bars where fitted
this is because of the number of trailers detaching from towing vehicles
A car will fail if the number plate is cracked or discoloured/delaminated. But a 'showplate' ie non standard lettering was not a fail until now, oddly.
legally, a vehicle can fail for having the 'Wales Dragon' as opposed to the 'EU Star' circle on the plate - the legislation actually states that it is up to the tester as to whether the vehicle is passed or not - not a legal professional, just watch the consumer progs on TV!!
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Quote: Originally posted by amandajlay on 08/4/2009
legally, a vehicle can fail for having the 'Wales Dragon' as opposed to the 'EU Star' circle on the plate - the legislation actually states that it is up to the tester as to whether the vehicle is passed or not - not a legal professional, just watch the consumer progs on TV!!
According to the op the law is changing & it will no longer be up to the tester. The number plate must now be completely legal ie regulation size/style letters/numbers & only standard blue 'euro' bit.
Currently we can pass a number plate if it has an appropriate country emblem on the plate. Playboy bunnies etc, or names are a no no ( however we tend to just pass and advise ). However this is soon to change. Towbars and any part of the vehicle they are bolted to are soon to be a testable item. Any loose bolts on the towbar will fail. Also if the part of the chassis that the towbar is bolted to is corroded, that will also be a fail. About time really.
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Topic: tow bars and m.o.t.
