Need To Check Something First

[Mossycat]

Is it an offence to either NOT display the registration number of your vehicle OR to display a false number plate when a motor vehicle is parked on a car-park (either a supermarket car park or a retail car-park).

 

I know that pub car parks are treated differently under the road traffic act for breathalyser tests, hence why I am asking this beforehand.

 

Just to clarify I am only asking about the car-park itself and whilst the car is parked up and stationary, and not whilst it is on a public road.

 

Thanks in advance

 

Mossycat

[green_and_mean]

The wording of legislation regarding the registration of vehicles states...

 

A person is guilty of an offence if, on a public road or in a public place,

 

a car park would be deemed as a public place. There are also other offences to be considered since selling false plates is now also an offence and if you are doing it deliberatly there may be other offences like deception or fraud that may possibly be used. If reported as suspicious your vehicle could also be seized as being stolen or a worst case scenario blown up as a possible terrorist vehicle.

[patdavies]

The wording of legislation regarding the registration of vehicles states...

 

A person is guilty of an offence if, on a public road or in a public place,

 

 

No, no, no.

 

The Vehicle Excise and Registration Act (S.62) specifically defines the public highway as a "road maintained as public expense" - not something that can apply to a retail park car park.

 

There is no requirement to display a correct VRM whatsoever under the circumstances outlined. Otherwise, how would dealers be able to have vehicles on display with VRMs like "BUY 1"?

[gwc1000]

Most vehicles these days can be identified from the exterior without the number plates by looking at the chassis number at the bottom of the windscreen. Mind you, if you're doing what I think you're doing those numpties wouldn't think of that.

[emsgeorge]

dont forget the tax disc has got it on !.

 

And dont worry if you cover that bit up on the disc - PPC's CANT get information from the tax disc number at the top - DVLA wont let them search on that criteria. Neither will they let them search under chasis number.

[emsgeorge]

EDIT:

 

Having just had a look at a VQ5 (non paying enquiry) on my vehicle from a council ticket I have had - It DOES say the VIN number, and the engine number, but does not say the VEL number.

 

Since the only option on the enquiry sheets the PPC's use, you can only search on the reg plate anyway.

[patdavies]

dont forget the tax disc has got it on !.

 

And dont worry if you cover that bit up on the disc - PPC's CANT get information from the tax disc number at the top - DVLA wont let them search on that criteria. Neither will they let them search under chasis number.

 

Like the VRM, the VED disk does not need to be displayed when not on a road maintained at public expense