trailer vin plate

[OceanSprint]

I have a road trailer for a 3m inflatable. trailer is more than 10 years old. No sign of a makers name and no weight plate.

Can i fit one myself, eg http://www.vin-plate.co.uk/

Or should i take it somewhere to get one fitted? If so, where?

Or can i just use it on the roads? It is in good nick, with lights that all work.

Boat is a hon wave 3m with 4 hp engine, so not that heavy.

Will police stop me if they see an old trailer?

Sorry for multiple questions. Thanks.

 

[Avocet]

If it was manufactured after 1997, it should, at least have the date of manufacture stamped on it and usually the manufacturer's name. Also depends on the maximum permitted weight of the trailer. Does it have brakes? If so, it might be more than 750kg laden. The Construction & Use Regs state:

Marking of date of manufacture of trailers
71A.
(1) This regulation applies to a trailer that–
(a) is not a motor vehicle;
(b) is manufactured on or after January 1, 1997; and
(c) has a maximum total design axle weight not exceeding 750kg.
(2) The year of manufacture of every trailer
to which this regulation applies shall be marked
on the chassis, frame or other similar structur
e on the nearside of the vehicle, in a clearly
visible and accessible position, and by a method
such as hammering or stamping, in such
a way that it cannot be obliterated or deteriorate.

That website seems to be scaremongering a bit. This site has good, impartial advice:

http://www.ntta.co.uk/law/law/identification_plates.aspx

 

[seanfoster]

If it was manufactured after 1997, it should, at least have the date of manufacture stamped on it and usually the manufacturer's name. Also depends on the maximum permitted weight of the trailer. Does it have brakes? If so, it might be more than 750kg laden. The Construction & Use Regs state:

Marking of date of manufacture of trailers
71A.
(1) This regulation applies to a trailer that–
(a) is not a motor vehicle;
(b) is manufactured on or after January 1, 1997; and
(c) has a maximum total design axle weight not exceeding 750kg.
(2) The year of manufacture of every trailer
to which this regulation applies shall be marked
on the chassis, frame or other similar structur
e on the nearside of the vehicle, in a clearly
visible and accessible position, and by a method
such as hammering or stamping, in such
a way that it cannot be obliterated or deteriorate.

That website seems to be scaremongering a bit. This site has good, impartial advice:

http://www.ntta.co.uk/law/law/identification_plates.aspx

According to that website "To comply with the D.o.T. Code of Practice for the recall of defective trailers less than 3500kg G.V.W. it is desirable that a trailer should carry a manufacturer's plate..."

So if it's a Code of Practice, is it not legally enforceable? As I understand it, a COP is for guidance and is usually on a voluntary basis?

 

[Avocet]

Two different things. The first is an extract from the Construction and Use Regs and is a legal requirement. The original manufacturer of the trailer (assuming it was made after 01/07/97 and doesn't have a design weight exceeding 750kg) was breaking the law in not putting the date of manufacture on it.

The second was a link to the NTTA website and yes, that's a code of practice that can be ignored. I think there are other legal requirements for marking elsewhere in the C&U Regs but it depends what the maximum weight of the laden trailer is, when it was built, and possibly, how many axles it has.

 

[OceanSprint]

It has no brakes, and definitely no manufacturers name etc.

But the question is, can i buy a plate, stamp it with some made up details and screw it on?

 

[Stork_III]

It has no brakes, and definitely no manufacturers name etc.

But the question is, can i buy a plate, stamp it with some made up details and screw it on?

I would not bother. Trailer has no brakes, so limited to < 750 kg. Your load will look << 750 kg. Provided the lighting/signalling works and all looks secure, the police have better things to do than stop you. Fitting a plate with false information is probably illegal and will arouse suspicion.

 

[OceanSprint]

Many thanks. Good advice.