Number Plate Location

Plate must be "fixed on the rear of the vehicle" and "vertically or, where that is not reasonably practicable, in a position as close to the vertical as is reasonably practicable", and must be illuminated.
The problem with a side mount is that the plate must be visible from an angle, and if it's on the right of the bike it may not be visible from the left because the bike is in the way.

http://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2001/561/contents/made
http://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/1989/1796/schedule/15/made



Rear light must be "on the centre-line or off side of the vehicle".

http://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/1989/1796/schedule/10/made



The MOT regulations say that the plate must be "be fitted vertically, or as close to vertical as is reasonably practicable" and "be mounted at the rear of the motorcycle".

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/mot-inspection-manual-for-class-1-and-2-vehicles



Whether your local police and MOT tester actually care about any of this stuff is another matter.

 

We have it pretty easy compared to our neighbours across the channel and our antipodean cousins.

 

there is no requirement for the number plate to be illuminated to pass a mot.

 

I know, and I'm sure that you know that what is required for the MOT and what is required by law are two completely different things.

 

that's what I am saying by law you dont need a number plate light

 

http://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2001/561/regulation/9/made

The Road Vehicles (Display of Registration Marks) Regulations 2001
Lighting of rear registration plates
9.—(1) This regulation applies to vehicles other than—
(a) works trucks,
(b) road rollers,
(c) agricultural machines, and
(d) vehicles first registered before the relevant date.
(2) Where the vehicle is being used on a road between sunset and sunrise the registration plate fixed on the rear of—
(a) the vehicle, or
(b) where the vehicle is towing a trailer, the trailer or,
(c) where the vehicle is towing more than one trailer, the rearmost trailer,
must be lit in accordance with this regulation.


EDIT:
The latest MOT manual does require a number plate light.
https://www.mot-testing.service.gov...ors-and-electrical-equipment.html#section_4.7

 

Possibly off thread but related, I need a light on my reg plate to pass the MOT in next 2 days. Got the light and wire but can't find any online guide on how to fit it. Any websites/YouTubes posted greatly appreciated.