Tractor number plate rules

[multi power]

I know there was something on here about it before regarding a number plate on both sides of the bonnet and how it means no plate is required on the trailer

 

[Netherfield]

Yes there was, can't remember the thread title though

try this

Number plates and the law

What is the law regarding registration plates on farm machinery? Do we need them If the plate matches a tractor on the farm will that do

thefarmingforum.co.uk

or page 6 on here

http://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2001/561/pdfs/uksi_20010561_en.pdf

 

[76masseyman]

Sooner put ONE on a trailer, than drill TWO sides of the bonnet !

 

[Happy hillbily]

Id rather have one on the trailer, rather than having plod stop me for not having one, and trying to explain the rules to him and then plod in a huff searching for something else to book me for, like the other thread, with pig muck and unsecured load !

 

[Happy hillbily]

Sooner put ONE on a trailer, than drill TWO sides of the bonnet !

I was going to recommend using two magnetic plates save drilling the bonnet, but quickly remembered today's tractors are made out of plastic and chinesium !

 

[tepapa]

Number plate on both side of the tractor in a vertical position, which I take to mean flat on the glass as opposed to flat on top of a mud guard so it is readable from the side.

 

[snarling bee]

You really need the number plate on the right hand side on most tractors so that plod can see it as they overtake you, and on the left hand side on Masseys as you overtake them.

 

[Cowabunga]

I was going to recommend using two magnetic plates save drilling the bonnet, but quickly remembered today's tractors are made out of plastic and chinesium !

Double sided 3M foam pads with impact adhesive. Degrease and dry the panel first and stick your plates on. Many car plates are fitted this way these days. I've just done one earlier this week. £19 for the plates and £1 for the pads.

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[Wombat]

Sooner put ONE on a trailer, than drill TWO sides of the bonnet !

Yup not having one on the back is a reason to get pulled for the sake of a £4 plate.

 

[76masseyman]

So if you put plates on either side of the tractor, you don’t have to put ONE on the trailer.

But if there isn’t one on the trailer, plod will probably pull you for it, you then spend ten minutes explaining the rules. This then leads to the rest of the vehicle being inspected, and you being held up longer.

Never have understood the plate either side rule, or why you’d bother !

Someone please explain.

 

[britt]

Might be easier to explain the plate either side rule than the plate matching any tractor on the farm, rather than the one actually pulling the trailer, which is different ! ?

 

[Tarw Coch]

Might be easier to explain the plate either side rule than the plate matching any tractor on the farm, rather than the one actually pulling the trailer, which is different ! ?

Maybe but no plate stands out like a sore thumb, put a plate on and most wont notice it doesn’t match unless they stop you for something else.

 

[Andrew]

You can put a number plate on both sides of the tractor, then there is no requirement to put one on the trailer. IIRC it has to be a black and white plate.

Just remember though most coppers won’t know this law, but they will know about seeing one on the back.

So if you don’t have one on the trailer expect to get pulled over, and carry some paperwork documenting the above law.
Once you’re won that battle, expect them to sulk and inspect the rest of the outfit until they find something else to do you for.

Alternatively just fit a plate to your trailers.

 

[TheTallGuy]

Might be easier to explain the plate either side rule than the plate matching any tractor on the farm, rather than the one actually pulling the trailer, which is different ! ?

Try explaining that the trailer numberplate does not have to be from a tractor that is taxed either - the regulations (SI2001 No561) only state

8... (3) Where the towing vehicle is an agricultural machine, a plate fixed on the trailer may, instead of displaying the registration mark of the towing vehicle, display the mark of any other agricultural machine kept by the keeper of the towing vehicle.

No mention of road tax being valid as a requirement

 

[tr250]

Why don’t agricultural trailers have holders for a plate like lorry trailers do then

 

[Nearly]

One for @Courier if he has time.

The only tractor I've seen with plates on side had them on the arms of a loader and it was n't towing anything.

 

[multi power]

I googled it, unbelievable it came up straight away about one each side of the bonnet being a alternative to having one one the trailer

 

[Robert K]

Why don’t agricultural trailers have holders for a plate like lorry trailers do then

Buy the holders and fit them it really should be standard though I agree

 

[David.]

Think the plate matching any tractor rule may be explained by, or at least related to, the fact that insurance certs for tractors are not specific to individual machine, rather they are worded to the effect of "any agricultural motor vehicle" in the possession of the policy holder?

 

[Robert K]

Fitted these this afternoon