Hey, what's you opinion on my tailgate regi lights do you think they are illegal or ok?

Yes

Yes.

I was rather under the impression the numberplate lights had to clearly illuminate the whole numberplate? (Don't really know, just a gut reaction) I guess the easiest way of finding out would be to take it to your friendly local MOT centre and ask them in return for some biscuits?

Yes..Totally illegal

Blue is not to be used for numberplate lights

Even if they were legal...They look dreadful...IMHO of course

Maybe. I'm not sure that a steady blue light at the rear is illegal (it is legal but chavvy at the front!), or that a numberplate light must be white. I would say that those lights are grounds for a pull, and possible breath test and/or MOT whilst you wait even if they are legal though!

I've just had a look, and this is what I found ...

(2) No vehicle shall be fitted with a lamp which is capable of showing any light to the rear, other than a red light, except-

(a) amber light from a direction indicator or side marker lamp;

( white light from a reversing lamp;

© white light from a work lamp;

(d) light to illuminate the interior of a vehicle;

(e) light from an illuminated rear registration plate;

(f) light for the purposes of illuminating a taxi meter;

Taken from here: http://www.opsi.gov.uk/si/si1989/Uksi_19891796_en_3.htm#%28Tii%29iicolourlightshownlampreflector

So, maybe they are legal (I don't have time to read the whole thing), but I would not be surprised if I were stopped a lot.

Edited 3 June, 201016 yr by martinch

You're bound to get pulled a lot like that.. Especially because it's at the rear, not like you've got it on the front and cops see it as they drive by but cant be bothered to spin round.

If they're behind they'll see it a mile off and be quite happy in earning a bit more money

I have LEDs in my rear number plate but they're white, and look much better IMO..

Kev

They might be legal as far as interpreting the quote from the website, but I'm sure that there will be somthing somewhere that they will pull you on with regards to been able to clearly read a numberplate from a certain distance at night time. In your top photo you are no more than 15ft away and it's hardly readable to me. You are asking for a pull IMHO. Not a big fan of how they look cosmetically either.

Each to their own though and if you like it, run with it

They might be legal as far as interpreting the quote from the website, but I'm sure that there will be somthing somewhere that they will pull you on with regards to been able to clearly read a numberplate from a certain distance at night time.

Yeah, true, although I did do a quick search on "registration", and there wasn't anything that immediately jumped out in that respect (I really thought there would be). That's not to say it's not part of another act, though ...

OPSI can be useful, but most statutory texts are far too long ... annoying there's no summary of key points ...

Edited 3 June, 201016 yr by martinch

Chavtastic plus they look *******s!!

the reaction to the lights has been pretty poor hasn't it lol, mate they look p** anyway, get some white ones where you can actually see the number plate

Elliott

Lol I only ran them in to tesco to pick somethings up their back out now goig to get the White ones just wanted to know if they were illegal as I didn't even know what colour they were till they were in I found them sitting about the garage and wondered what they would look like it's too blue for me!

Back to yellow just now till I get some White ones where are people getting them?

If you look at the registration plate lights on the latest BMWs and Lexus (Lexi?) they are 'bluey/white' but have a very even spread of illumination. Not had a close look at whether they're led or otherwise though.

whether they are legal or not is moot. because.the police will stop you anyway for a chat i suspect if is even remotely out of the ordinary. Is it worth the hassle? the risk of being pulled while you are trying to get some place on time

Edited 3 June, 201016 yr by newskoda

I thought blue lights externally placed were only to be used by emergency cars. http://www.ukemergency.co.uk/information/bluelightuse.htm

Dont know how official this website is but... it makes sense.

Regardless of legality.. Common sense tell me one should leave the blue for the emergency vehicles and pick a diff colour instead.

Individuality is good, but individuality over common sense = bad..

Hth.

Edited 3 June, 201016 yr by JLneonhug

i would say that they are illegal as i understand it they have to be white and illuminate the whole plate :|

I thought blue lights externally placed were only to be used by emergency cars. http://www.ukemergency.co.uk/information/bluelightuse.htm

Dont know how official this website is but... it makes sense.

It's warning beacons that are reserved ...

Restrictions on fitting blue warning beacons, special warning lamps and similar devices

16. No vehicle, other than an emergency vehicle, shall be fitted with-

(a) a blue warning beacon or special warning lamp, or

( a device which resembles a blue warning beacon or a special warning lamp, whether the same is in working order or not.

Obviously, it depends on what the officer chooses to interpret (a) as, as to whether they take exception (and whether a judge agrees, should it get that far).

It's warning beacons that are reserved ...

Obviously, it depends on what the officer chooses to interpret (a) as, as to whether they take exception (and whether a judge agrees, should it get that far).

(B ) says if it resembles a blue warning beacon...

Well.... do you not think it does? with the blue light and all :wonder:

Some things yeah, go ahead and be pedantic all you like as some rules are silly. In this case however I'd rather not have people hanging blue lights everywhere regardless of "laws" because its hard enough for emergency drivers to get past the idiot drivers as it is!

Edited 3 June, 201016 yr by JLneonhug

Andy_Boy ask a speed-cop if you dare. LOL

Defo illegal blue lights for a start and your not allowed blue lights! plus all of number plate needs to be lit not just two quaters!

Lexus (Lexi?)

Nah, Lexuses ... (bad news for those who lisp) !

Bob.

yes defo illegal

i had blue sidelights on my old car few years back

the police stopped me for a friendly chat and tried accusing me of impersoniting a police oficer

managed to sweet talk them into giving me £30 fine instead of 60 and 3 points!!! lol

needless to say lesson learned blue lights removed

Well.... do you not think it does?

Not personally, no - wrong place, size, and appearance (not flashing).

this case however I'd rather not have people hanging blue lights everywhere regardless of "laws" because its hard enough for emergency drivers to get past the idiot drivers as it is!

I absolutely agree on this one. I really don't like the blue light things, and actually wish they were illegal, but it really doesn't look like they are ...

There is actually case law on what "resembles a reserved warning beacon": In summary, to resemble a reserved warning beacon a light must:-

1) Be blue (or amber and on a recovery vehicle, vehicle engaged on roadworks, slow moving agricultural vehicle or vehicle engaged in "Special Types" work [basically heavy haulage]).

2) Flash or pulsate.

Accordingly, a steady blue light under 5W rating is not actually illegal. :(