Plates and The Fuzz

No not the part of Mr Eastwoods hair that he hasnt combed, but those gentlemen in the blue uniforms. Speeding ticket this week.. no big deal just a road tax. First one on a bike ever, I guess if I spread it out over all the miles Ive done its nothing really. What irked me was the warning about my vertically mounted license plate. "Its illegal." Says Mr Plod. But.. its not.

Here be the law according to ;

Transport (Vehicle Registration and Licensing) Notice 1995 (SR 1995/136)
Section 6 Affixing of registration plates (other than trade plates)
Registration plates issued for a motor vehicle shall be displayed as follows:
(a) in the case of a motor vehicle other than a motor vehicle of any of the kinds specified in paragraph (b), one plate shall be displayed on the front of the vehicle and one plate shall be displayed on the rear of the vehicle, and both plates shall be in an upright position and so displayed that every letter, figure, and distinguishing mark on the plate is easily visible:
(b) in the case of any motorcycle, moped, tractor, or trailer, one plate shall be displayed on the rear of the vehicle in an upright position and so displayed that every letter, figure, and distinguishing mark on the plate is easily visible.

(up·right   [uhp-rahyt, uhp-rahyt] adjective 1.erect or vertical, as in position or posture. 2. raised or directed vertically or upward. 3. adhering to rectitude; righteous, honest, or just: an upright person. 4. being in accord with what is right: upright dealings.)

Simple stuff, apparently. Maybe not so to Mr Plod. I am aware that Jon over at Grease Monkeys fought and won against a fine for this very thing, so if you are like us, and have your plate mounted in an upright position, be aware of the law and be prepared to defend yourself in court..