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Does anyone know if you need a number plate light to pass the MOT. I have checked out the VOSPA and DirectGov websites and all they say that if lights are fitted they have to work, but if it is not there! I know you need a "proper" number plate now but does it if have to be illuminated?

Not too sure, but my understanding is that if you have a "daytime only bike" or whatever it's called without lights, you don't need any lights at all.
If you have a standard bike with lights, all these must work including the number plate light.
Sure about the latter, but only about 90% on the first.

I've not got them on my Falco, in fact I'm sure there wasn't a rear numberplate light. Falco9 would know.

I've known of people failing for not having a rear numberplate light on a normal road bike. Some of these people modified things by fitting a small LED or similar, but then again MOT testers are not always consistent.
Also failed for not having a working one on a car.

I thought if the vehicle was designed with one you had to have one. I also think that the vehicle design and use regs (if that's the right ones) stipulate a rear number plate light is required (probably after a certain year)

I put a big LED in front of the plate and it was passed. There are plenty of little custom jobbies available use the search, there was a thread about this a while back.

Yes, you do require one, you also need a red rear reflector. As somebody said though, you might find they just overlook it all depends on how anal the examiner is.

You can get a daytime MOT that requires no lights at all but that is designed more for motocross and track bikes

Yea, you are supposed to have one, although my bike passed without one but my car would have failed if they hadnt fitted a replacement there and then.
They notice the lack of reflector more but I have one as it covers the 'not for road use' writing on the plate

And for a daytime mot if you have switchgear still on it has to work aswell, so no lights but fitted switchgear is a fail (unless your bike tester is a nice nice nice man)

Thanks guys, only noticed late on Sunday that my replacement LED had stopped working and it is booked in on Sat morning for the MOT and with no chance of ducking out of work this week. I'll have to try and modify something from the shed this evening.

Ok so I have managed to fashion something using an old motrax hanger the falco numberplate light, the original plate and a reflector, it looks shite but it all works and easy to swap back with a new LED when i can get one.

I have spent a lot of time pissing around with led number plate lights only to have my MOT tester saying - "that's nice - don't think you need one to pass the test though"

Anyway - I tried the Motrax ones and they are CRAP. had 2 and both failed in no time.

Now have a little jobbie from Evotech and it's been fine........ so far.