LH SIDE MOUNTED NUMBER PLATE

Dougwe · Chief one feather

LH SIDE MOUNTED NUMBER PLATE

exa41 · Guru

Hi Dougwe, You would be safe mounting towards the left unshrouded ,can't see any difference from being in the middle. I have it mounted on the mudguard of the trailer, as long as they can see it ,should be OK.

Hey Jim · Guru

Hi Doug,

How's this then. Our Camper(Sold) had on the Left hand side. The Boat trailer's on the right hand side, and our box trailer in the middle. All NSW registered.

Good Luck. biggrin biggrin biggrin biggrin biggrin biggrin biggrin biggrin

Jim

migra · Senior Member

My understanding of the regulations regarding number plate location is it does not state location but it does state the following;

Must be permanently affixed to the vehicle so that (assuming the vehicle is on level ground) the number plate is at all times;

In an upright position that is substantially parallel to the vehicle's axles, and

That it must be no higher than 1.3M above ground level, and

The number plate is not obscured, and.

The numbers on the number plate are clearly visible from a distance of 20M at any point within an arc of 45 degrees from the surface of the number plate above or to either side of the vehicle.

Dougwe · Chief one feather

OK then boys and girls, here we go,

I decided to go have a chat personally to VIC Roads here in Warrnambool and they at first didn't know anything about the 1300mm rule or, 45* Rule or if it could be mounted on the left side.

After further investigation and involving a vehicle inspector that just happened to call in, it was found that YES 1300mm is right, it is actually a National Regulation. Nothing known about the 45* view OR L/H mounting. He also menioned he or anyone he has worked with has never booked anyone for the number plate issue as they have much better things to do with their time.

I then decided in my wisdom ? to go visit the police. Well, all the above was never heard of so off he went to speak to the traffic boys and girls out back. 10 mins later the Sargent returned saying the boys out back had heard of the 1300mm rule but never bother booking for same reasons as his Vic Roads counter parts. They said there is no reason the plate can't be fitted to L/H side as long as it is not obscured.

SO

The outcome is, I will fit a aluminium box to rear L/H side of rear bumper, fit number plate to that and get a auto elec to fit a number plate light above or to the the side of the plate. The van dealer has agreed to cover cost. As for the 45* view that is covered as well due to the box bringing the plate nearly out as far as the spare wheel.

Phew! Glad that's sorted.

Dougwe · Chief one feather

Thanks for your input everyone.

migra · Senior Member

Just FYI, the Victorian Safety (Vehicles) Regulations 2009 - REG 48 deals with the number plate height issue etc and

Reg.48(1)(d) amended by S.R. No. 150/2013 reg. 13(a) sect (d) deals with the 45 degree issue.

Next time you visit VicRoads you will be able to give them the regulation.

In NSW, caravans that exceed 2 tonne GTM must be inspected by a heavy vehicle inspector station and this inspection covers both from a safety and compliance regulation, number plates height and viewing angle issue comes under the compliance regulation and if found non compliant, the caravan should not be registered.

I am not sure how the insurance companies view non compliant caravans with reference to their insurance policy. Maybe reading the policy would confirm their position.

BTY, if fitting a box on the rear, do not forget the regulation regarding the distance from the tow ball to the axle centre line must not exceed 8.5M and the rear overhang, including any attachments to the trailer, must not exceed 3.7M

-- Edited by migra on Wednesday 16th of September 2015 06:14:18 PM

Dougwe · Chief one feather

Thanks migra, I am aware of the measurements you mention and all within the max's. The spare wheel is fitted to the rear bumper and the box will be fitted to the left if that on the bumper. I don't need the box but is the easiest way of solving the problem due to the 45* rule. It will only be a small tool box type and more than likely will put guy ropes in there only to keep weight down.

justcruisin01 · Guru

Don't know about other states but NSW if a single light is fitted it must be over the centre of the plate. If not possibile then one light at each end is the alternative.

Reason, one small light will not light up the full length of a plate from one end.

JC

Spydermann · Senior Member

Odd rules about plate lights. They are needed for a roadworthy but if the light doesn't work, the vehicle is not un-roadworthy - at least in Vic.

Dougwe · Chief one feather

Thanks JC. I did think of that. I should have room to fit light above the plate anyway. Interesting thing is I am looking at every van I see and so many are higher than 1300mm. Also and as well even many have only 1 light at the end and many are actually nit very visable even at 90* let alone 45*.

Just trying to find a Auto Elec to come to the van to do the wire up for me as I don't want to tamper with rear lighting. Found a nice Aluminium lockable box at the big green shed today so will get that tomorrow in readiness.

justcruisin01 · Guru

Doug just have to extend the two wires from the existing light. Also if van has LED lights then use a LED light.

Dougwe · Chief one feather

Thanks again Jim, I will check it out tomorrow if not raining. Good point about the LED too. Must admit I didn't think of that, silly me. Don't tell anyone Jim disbelief

migra · Senior Member

My understanding of the number of number plate lights required or location states lamp(s) required and the location is not specified (above or side).

Vehicle Standard (Australian Design Rule 48/00 - Devices for Illumination of Rear Registration Plates) 2006 - Illuminating devices must be so designed that the entire surface to be illuminated is visible from the rear within the field of vision

VSB1 states:

13.5 Rear Registration Plate (Number Plate) Lamp

This lamp(s) illuminates the space reserved for the rear registration plate.

Presence: Must be fitted.

Number: At least 1 (note that some lamps may only have been approved for fitment as a pair).

Arrangement: At the rear and so that the rear registration plate is illuminated. No light is to be directed rearwards.

In addition:

Rear registration plate lamp (Regulation No. 4) sect:6 states;

6.8.1. Mandatory.

6.8.2. Number - Such that the device illuminates the site of the registration plate.

6.8.3. Arrangement - Such that the device illuminates the site of the registration plate.

6.8.4. Position

6.8.4.1. In width: such that the device illuminates the site of the registration plate.

6.8.4.2. In height: such that the device illuminates the site of the registration plate.

6.8.4.3. In length: such that the device illuminates the site of the registration plate.

6.8.5. Geometric visibility - Such that the device illuminates the site of the registration plate.

6.8.6. Orientation - Such that the device illuminates the site of the registration plate.

PeterD · Guru

Try looking around at the 4WD vehicles with the spare tyres on the rear door. There are some of those with the plate mounted at the centre of the spare tyre. Of the rest, how many have the plate on the RHS? None that I can recall. My Disco 1 & 2 both had LHS plates. The late model Prado that just towed a van out of the park had LHS plate. Are not the Pajeros there too? Patrolls and cruisers with split rear doors, do they not have the small door on the LHS with the plate on that door? This one is easy to sort out without resorting to legislation.

briche · Guru

Hey, Doug I can wire it for you when you get here, not a hassle

Brian

-- Edited by briche on Tuesday 22nd of September 2015 04:55:06 PM

Dougwe · Chief one feather

Thanks Brian.

I will have the box and number plate frame with built in LED light by the time I get there. The frame is actually the same as fitted to the van now. I have a humorous number plate also on the way to fit where the Rego Plate is now.