Re: Does anyone know?
-
RedStormV
- Posts: 1372
- Joined: Thu Jun 07, 2007 9:41 pm
- Location: West Yorks (Bronte Country) - Home of the Negro Lesbian Cornet Players
- Contact:
Re: Does anyone know?
TBH mate I reckon Rich is right
Our number plates mean nothing to them as theirs mean nothing to us.
They use a similar size lettering but a different font.
Apart from anything though, they cannot / do not 'up-hold' British law in France as we don't theirs. So as far as that's concerned you're good.
As for the visor I would imagine you're taking along a clear one too?
In which case as in UK shouldn't be a problem.
Technically they're still illegal over here but a blind eye is turned, unless of course you're riding round at night with a black visor and you get a tug.
You wouldn't drive a car at night with shades on would you?
I'm not sure about the true legal status in France but I can find out for you next time my nephew's on line as he is both French and a biker.
Our number plates mean nothing to them as theirs mean nothing to us.
They use a similar size lettering but a different font.
Apart from anything though, they cannot / do not 'up-hold' British law in France as we don't theirs. So as far as that's concerned you're good.
As for the visor I would imagine you're taking along a clear one too?
In which case as in UK shouldn't be a problem.
Technically they're still illegal over here but a blind eye is turned, unless of course you're riding round at night with a black visor and you get a tug.
You wouldn't drive a car at night with shades on would you?
I'm not sure about the true legal status in France but I can find out for you next time my nephew's on line as he is both French and a biker.
Re: Does anyone know?
OK. The problem is that it IS still technically illegal. However, this is going to vary massively in how an officer deals with it.
The ACPO (Association of Chief Police Officers) releases guidelines on how the police should deal with situations.
The guidelines were revised in respect of visors and number plates on motorcycles to better reflect a fair and balanced policing policy.
They loosely state that wearing a dark visor in suitable conditions is not an issue. Wearing one in the evening or in poor weather and the guidelines advise officers to deal with it by whatever means they feel appropriate. This can involve the use of Tintman gizmos to measure your tint level and upon failing can risk fines and confiscation. For this reason, its better to get a visor pouch and stick a clear one in it in case you find yourself in a thunderstorm or out later than planned.
Small plates are also more leniently covered. The ACPO guidelines changed to state that if a plate was readable from 20 meters, then it was ok, even if it didn't match the exact legal dimensions. This means that whilst a 7x5 plate is probably fine, a teeny 6x2 letterbox one is probably going to get you in trouble.
The real problem is that none of the actual laws have changed. So yes, small plates and dark visors are still by the letter of the law, illegal. An you can still be done for them even if your plate IS readable from 20m or its a bright sunny day.
Usually, the only time I've ever seen anyone getting in trouble for them is if they're giving the officer reason to be an ass.
If you're taking the p*ss in your riding or speed or attitude towards any officer that has cause to speak to you about something, then you're going to find them less inclined to allow you the leeway the ACPO allows.
If stopped, be polite and pay attention. Take your helmet off. Don't rant how they should be catching burglars. Carry a clear visor. Dont' have a plate you made yourself in the garage in 10mm letters. Don't hoon past them at over a ton on the back wheel. Common sense stuff really.
If you do happen to find a very zealous cop that is determined to do you for what in your mind is no reason, and is contrary to the ACPO guidelines, then don't get into a big argument. Suck it up for now, get their collar number and write to their Chief Constable.
On the continent, there is no law I know of specifically making dark visors illegal. As a foreign vehicle, your plate size (and colour and font and stuff) is still governed by UK law. As most continental bike plates are much smaller than UK standard, the police are very unlikely to even notice let alone bother.
Mostly, the only thing I've ever known people get in trouble with the police abroad is for speeding and for not having their documents (V5, carnets where applicable, proof of insurance etc as well as your passport... duh) at borders.
Learn a few phrases too in any languages you might encounter.
Maybe:
"Please stop hitting me officer."
"Surely we can come to some arrangement? Here's 20 Euros."
"My mate will do you in your car if you let us go."
"Look! A donut*" (*or Coissant, Goulash, Toblerone, Sausage depending on where you might be)
"You'll never take me alive pig."
Having used all of those, I can report that the inside of French jail cells is quite luxurious.
Oh. And please, please, please make sure you have your EHIC card. And get some recovery/repatriation insurance for the bike.
The ACPO (Association of Chief Police Officers) releases guidelines on how the police should deal with situations.
The guidelines were revised in respect of visors and number plates on motorcycles to better reflect a fair and balanced policing policy.
They loosely state that wearing a dark visor in suitable conditions is not an issue. Wearing one in the evening or in poor weather and the guidelines advise officers to deal with it by whatever means they feel appropriate. This can involve the use of Tintman gizmos to measure your tint level and upon failing can risk fines and confiscation. For this reason, its better to get a visor pouch and stick a clear one in it in case you find yourself in a thunderstorm or out later than planned.
Small plates are also more leniently covered. The ACPO guidelines changed to state that if a plate was readable from 20 meters, then it was ok, even if it didn't match the exact legal dimensions. This means that whilst a 7x5 plate is probably fine, a teeny 6x2 letterbox one is probably going to get you in trouble.
The real problem is that none of the actual laws have changed. So yes, small plates and dark visors are still by the letter of the law, illegal. An you can still be done for them even if your plate IS readable from 20m or its a bright sunny day.
Usually, the only time I've ever seen anyone getting in trouble for them is if they're giving the officer reason to be an ass.
If you're taking the p*ss in your riding or speed or attitude towards any officer that has cause to speak to you about something, then you're going to find them less inclined to allow you the leeway the ACPO allows.
If stopped, be polite and pay attention. Take your helmet off. Don't rant how they should be catching burglars. Carry a clear visor. Dont' have a plate you made yourself in the garage in 10mm letters. Don't hoon past them at over a ton on the back wheel. Common sense stuff really.
If you do happen to find a very zealous cop that is determined to do you for what in your mind is no reason, and is contrary to the ACPO guidelines, then don't get into a big argument. Suck it up for now, get their collar number and write to their Chief Constable.
On the continent, there is no law I know of specifically making dark visors illegal. As a foreign vehicle, your plate size (and colour and font and stuff) is still governed by UK law. As most continental bike plates are much smaller than UK standard, the police are very unlikely to even notice let alone bother.
Mostly, the only thing I've ever known people get in trouble with the police abroad is for speeding and for not having their documents (V5, carnets where applicable, proof of insurance etc as well as your passport... duh) at borders.
Learn a few phrases too in any languages you might encounter.
Maybe:
"Please stop hitting me officer."
"Surely we can come to some arrangement? Here's 20 Euros."
"My mate will do you in your car if you let us go."
"Look! A donut*" (*or Coissant, Goulash, Toblerone, Sausage depending on where you might be)
"You'll never take me alive pig."
Having used all of those, I can report that the inside of French jail cells is quite luxurious.
Oh. And please, please, please make sure you have your EHIC card. And get some recovery/repatriation insurance for the bike.
Voted most likely to be found dead in park bushes following an act of autoerotic asphyxiation.
-
SILVER ZIPPER
- Posts: 740
- Joined: Sat Jun 25, 2005 10:37 pm
- Location: DERBYSHIRE
Re: Does anyone know?
Don't forget I know where you live.Timbo wrote:Thanks for the replies chaps, very helpful, although i would question the use of some of your french phrases Kitch
I am going to learn the following.
"Dave will nosh you off if you let me go"
"his bike isnt the only thing that is red and throbs, let me off and he will show you"
"Dave is an eccentric millionaire with pots of cash and a thing for froggy police officers"
"Let me go or i will find out where you live and kill your family"
Think they should cover most situations.
I didnt realise that you get let off over here if its sunny etc. Just spent the last 20 miles squinting and almost hitting cars,hedges,old people and horses all the way home cos i couldnt see a thing, even with sunnies on
Take your KY Tim, i can run faster than you.
I HATE IT WHEN I HAVE TO PUT IT AWAY........