from Nelly:
"This has been thrashed out before, on this board and others.
Whilst it's possible to get a daylight MOT, in accordance with all the rules the DOT sets out for it's test stations, it doesn't make you "road legal".
The other rules that apply, the "use and construction" laws, are the ones that the police will play by and if the officer who pulls you knows his rule book you'll get a ticket.
The most obvious one that springs to mind is that you don't need a number plate on the bike if you've got the V5 and the chassis number ties in for an MOT. Go out on the road without one and you'll get a tug and fined for not displaying a plate.................
As well as contravening these rules, which could get you points and a fine, you'll probably find that your insurance will be null and void. More points and if you're involved in an accident, no cover.
I know it makes life easy, but IMO, it just ain't worth it. Lifes tough enough riding bikes in these times without give rise to more excuses to pull you over.
you pays ya money and takes your chance as they say..................... "
From Rushjob:
And from me on the same subject in another thread
The contents of Table 2 of Schedule 1 of the Road Vehicle Lighting Regulations 1989 are what you need to read and comply with.
Front position lamp - Schedule 2: Part I - A solo motor bicycle fitted with a headlamp is exempt from fitting.
Dipped-beam headlamp - Schedule 4: Part I A vehicle first used before 1st January 1931 is exempt.
Main-beam headlamp - Schedule 5: Part I - the following exemptions apply -
A vehicle having a maximum speed not exceeding 25 mph;
A vehicle first used before 1st January 1972 and having an engine with a capacity of less than 50 cc;
A vehicle first used before 1st January 1931.
Direction indicator - Schedule 7: Part I the following exemptions apply -
A vehicle having a maximum speed not exceeding 25 mph;
A vehicle first used before 1st April 1986;
A vehicle which is constructed or adapted primarily for use off roads (whether by reason of its tyres, suspension, ground clearance or otherwise) and which can carry only one person or which, in the case of a motor bicycle combination, can carry only the rider and one passenger in the sidecar.
Rear position lamp - Schedule 10: Part I - exemptions- None.
Stop lamp - Schedule 12: Part I - the following exemptions apply
A vehicle having a maximum speed not exceeding 25 mph;
A vehicle first used before 1st April 1986 and having an engine with a capacity of less than 50 cc;
A vehicle first used before 1st January 1936.
Rear registration plate lamp - Schedule 15 - exemptions - A vehicle not required to be fitted with a rear registration plate.
Rear retro reflector - Schedule 18: Part I - exemptions - None.
( The part where it mentions off road vehicles relates to trials / motocross type bikes only )
This is the legal standard you would have to meet if going to court - a daylight MOT is not worth the paper it's written on if it is produced to a cop who knows traffic law.
from Rushjob replying to a quote:
Quote:
:
As explained to me by the Department for Transport, the pertinant info on this issue is contained within Regulation 4, Subsection 3(a) of the Road Vehicles Lighting Regulations 1989.
"Nothing in these Regulations shall require any lamp or reflector to be fitted between sunrise and sunset to a vehicle not fitted with any front or rear position lamp." |
That is what I originally assumed was the case until I had it pointed out otherwise by one of our Accident Investigators and Prosecution Counsel who pointed out to me the bit I'd missed.
For that subsection to apply, the vehicle must first be capable of being legally used on a road without said front and rear position lamps fitted.
That cannot occur as there is no exemption for a bike to be used without a rear position lamp.
No one ever said that this Country's legal system was sensible did they?
There have been successful prosecutions in these circumstances - Felix alludes to one he personally knows of.
The case where I was corrected would have gone to prosecution had the rider involved survived that collision - sadly he did not.
What it comes down to is do you want to risk it?
If so, go on - just be aware you may come unstuck if it all goes wrong
If not, don't.
It's as simple as that.
"Yes - the bike does however have to be fitted with a dip beam headlamp to allow exemption from a front position lamp which defeats the object really......
Link:
http://www.opsi.gov.uk/si/si1989/Uksi_19891796_en_1.htm HTIOH?
[Edited on 1-1-2006 by AK and CK]
01-Jan-2006, 11:50 
AK
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