Section : Number Plates

Black/silver number plates 

Posted By : Neil Boote, 14-Dec-2003, 10:10pm

I've just been reading back through the archive and noticed a post about post 72 cars not being able to display black/silver plates.
my car is a 72 manufacture but a 73 first register (L reg). Do you think it would be O.K to use old style plates. I dont want to break the law but they do look good dont they.

• Black/silver number plates 

  Posted By : William Davies, 14-Dec-2003, 11:07pm

  Hi Neil,
  As I remember it, when the rolling tax exemption was frozen at December 31st, 1972, it coincided with the well established cutoff for black on silver numberplates. So a 1972 L-reg can sport black plates, but a 1973 L-reg can't. I think that's right, but someone else will be able to quote the law I'm sure (Mike?)
  Bear in mind that reflective plates were applied almost universally well before they became a legal requirement. I'm uncertain when they first became available, but my 1969 Mk2 Triumph 2000 still wears it's original pair of reflective plates. Some cars immediately strike me as looking wrong with black plates, simply because I'm not used to seeing them. The Spitfire MkIV and GT6 Mk3 are two such cars which come to mind.
  Bear in mind also that your logbook has to be checked by law when new plates are ordered. The plate supplier SHOULD refuse to provide you with plates which aren't legal for your car.
  Cheers,
  Bill.
  

• Black/silver number plates 

  Posted By : Colin Lindsay, 22-Dec-2003, 07:20pm

  He's right you know!! Cars first registered after 1.1.73 MUST have reflective plates, and since this is a registration thing the build date is immaterial. Reflective plates were optional before this for quite a few years and people reckoned them safer and a more modern look to an older car so retro fitted them as well, hence my 64 Herald had them but my 67 Herald does not. Later cars however don't have a choice!

  • Black/silver number plates 

    Posted By : David Freeman, 23-Dec-2003, 01:45pm

    Hmmm ..a thought...are we who may fit these b+w plates any less likely to be caught by the blue/grey/orange meanie speed cameras??
    Ha Ha!!

    • Black/silver number plates 

      Posted By : Nigel Gibbins, 23-Dec-2003, 03:59pm

      Didn't stop me getting a ticket and a fine a few years ago..... grumble, grumble
      
      53 mph on a motorway..... grumble!
      
      NiG

      • Black/silver number plates 

        Posted By : Mike Crewes, 05-Jan-2004, 12:06pm

        Guys
        
        Bill & Colin are both right. If your vehicle is REGISTERED after 1/1/73 then it should have reflex reflective plates.
        
        Regards
        Mike Crewes
        copshop@tssc.org.uk