59Display of numberplates

59 Display of numberplates (1) The registered operator of a registered vehicle must ensure that a vehicle numberplate issued for the vehicle is securely attached to the vehicle so that (if the vehicle is on level ground)— (a) the numberplate is— (i) upright and substantially parallel to the vehicle’s axles; and (ii) not over 1.3m above ground level; and (b) the numbers on the numberplate are clearly visible from a distance of 20m at any point within an arc of 45° from the surface of the numberplate above and to either side of the vehicle, as shown in diagram 59.1, figures 1 and 2 (for heavy vehicles) and diagram 59.2, figures 1 and 2 (for light vehicles); and (c) any cover on the numberplate— (i) is clear, clean, untinted and flat over the surface of the numberplate; and

(ii) has no reflective or other characteristics that would prevent the successful operation of a traffic offence detection device. Diagram 59.1 Heavy vehicles

Diagram 59.2 Light vehicles (2) Subsection (1) applies to a vehicle operating as a stand-by taxi as if the reference to a numberplate issued for the vehicle were a reference to the numberplate issued for the usual taxi. (3) The registered operator of a registered vehicle must ensure that— (a) for a motor vehicle (other than a motorbike or motortrike)—1 numberplate is attached to the front of the vehicle and another to its rear; and (b) for a motorbike, motortrike or trailer—at least 1 numberplate is attached to its rear.

(4) Subsections (1) (a) and (b) and (3) (a) and (b) do not apply to a vehicle numberplate of a registrable vehicle if— (a) because of the construction of the vehicle, it is not practicable to comply with the paragraphs; and (b) the numberplate is attached in a way that complies as far as practicable with the paragraphs. (5) Subsection (1) (b) does not apply to the rear vehicle numberplate of a registrable vehicle if— (a) the rear numberplate of the registrable vehicle is obscured by a vehicle that is being towed by the registrable vehicle; and (b) the towed vehicle displays a rear numberplate in accordance with subsections (1) and (3) or, if the towed vehicle is not required to display a rear numberplate, the registration number of the registrable vehicle is displayed at the rear of the towed vehicle in a way that complies as far as practicable with subsections (1) and (3). (6) The road transport authority may exempt a vehicle or person from a provision of this section. (7) If an exemption under this section is given subject to conditions, the exemption applies only if all the conditions of the exemption are complied with. stand-by taxi—see the Road Transport (Public Passenger Services) Regulation 2002, section 109 (1). traffic offence detection device—see the Road Transport (Safety and Traffic Management) Act 1999, dictionary. usual taxi—see the Road Transport (Public Passenger Services) Regulation 2002, section 109 (1).