Trailer number
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One of our drivers picked up a semitrailer at the docks and put his tractor number plate at the rear of the trailer. Near the end of his day's work he was stopped by police for not having a number plate on the trailer. Whether it fell off or was stolen we do not know. The driver has received a summons for using the trailer without a number plate.
Has he any defence ?
Yes. As long as the driver was not the owner of the vehicle he should deny the charge. The charge against the driver is being brought under Regulation 22 of the Road Vehicles (Registration and Licensing) Regulations 1971.
This regulation requires the owner of a vehicle which is drawing a trailer to ensure that the registration mark of the drawing vehicle is fixed to and displayed on the rear of the trailer. It does not say that a driver must not drive the vehicle when a number plate is not displayed on the trailer.