MOT test. Number plates and tow bars

[Tim Falce]

For anyone getting their car MOTd after the 27th April the enhanced number plate check will be back plus there will now be a check on fixture, fitting and wear of tow bars on any car with one fitted.

[mattt]

Enhanced Number Plate check? What will that entail

[Burnsie]

Originally Posted by falcemob

For anyone getting their car MOTd after the 27th April the enhanced number plate check will be back plus...

Is that a check of digit spacing, width, height, etc...? I got a £30 fine a few years ago because the letters on my plates were 5mm too short

[Tim Falce]

Number plate check is for BSI number, spacing, reflectivity, it must have the manufacturers name and address on plus other stuff.

[MGDavid]

ISTR the no. plate check only applies on cars after a certain date i.e. new-ish ones. And is the towbar check similarly after a certain date ?

[Tim Falce]

Number plates are for cars registered after 2001, tow bars relate to any age

[Bluebottle]

Tow bar testing can only be a good thing really, what will the test involve?
...Will they also check towing electrics?

[Tim Falce]

I got the number plate bit wrong, there will be no check for bs number, address etc. just checks on spacing and reflectiveness plus being the correct colour.
As for the tow bars, that's sensible stuff such as construction, fitting and wear etc. There's no test on electrics and no check on type approval stickers.