20Number plates

20 Number plates

(1) In this regulation, number includes letter. (2) If the registration authority registers a heavy vehicle it must assign a distinguishing registration number to the vehicle. (3) The registration authority must issue: (a) for each motor vehicle—2 number plates bearing the registration number assigned to that motor vehicle; and (b) for each trailer—1 number plate bearing the registration number assigned to that trailer. (4) If the registration authority enters into an agreement with the registered operator of a heavy vehicle in relation to special number plates that is not inconsistent with these Regulations, it may issue number plates for that vehicle in accordance with the agreement. (5) A registered operator of a registered heavy vehicle must ensure that a number plate issued by the registration authority for the vehicle is permanently affixed to the vehicle so that (assuming the vehicle to be on level ground): (a) the number plate is at all times: (i) in an upright position parallel to the vehicle’s axles; and (ii) not more than 1.3 metres above ground level; and (b) the numbers on the number plate are clearly visible from a distance of 20 metres at any point within an arc of 45 degrees from the surface of the number plate above or to either side of the vehicle, as shown in figures 1 and 2; and (c) any cover on the number plate: (i) is clear, clean, untinted and flat over its entire surface; and (ii) has no reflective or other characteristics that would prevent the successful operation of a device approved for use under a law relating to the detection of traffic offences; and (d) in the case of a motor vehicle—1 number plate is affixed to the front of the vehicle and another to its rear; and (e) in the case of a trailer—the number plate is affixed to its rear.

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(6) Paragraphs (5)(a) and (b) do not apply to a number plate of a heavy vehicle if: (a) due to the construction of the vehicle it is not practicable to comply with those paragraphs; and (b) the number plate is affixed in a manner that complies so far as practicable with those paragraphs. (7) Paragraph (5)(b) does not apply to the rear number plate of a heavy vehicle if: (a) the rear number plate of the heavy vehicle is obscured by a vehicle that is being towed by the heavy vehicle; and (b) the towed vehicle displays a rear number plate in accordance with subregulation (5); or (c) the towed vehicle is not required to display a rear number plate—the registration number of the heavy vehicle is displayed at the rear of the towed vehicle in a manner that complies so far as practicable with subregulation (5). (8) On payment of any applicable administrative fee, the registration authority may issue replacement number plates to the registered operator if the authority is satisfied that the original number plates are lost, damaged or destroyed.