Keeping your licence plate lights in good condition is one of the requirements of owning a car – others need to be able to read your licence plate clearly in all conditions. Don’t risk getting pulled over – if your licence plate bulb is failing, make sure you get it replaced as soon as possible.
What is a number plate light?
The number plate light is a small fixture to the back of your vehicle that shines light onto the rear number plate. Because of the plate’s reflective property, it can be illuminated by the light, allowing other vehicles to see it at a distance.
Is there a limit to the number of lights you can have?
There are no restrictions to the number of lights on the vehicle. The only requirement is that the rear number plate is sufficiently illuminated.
Where do the lights need to be?
Lights must be in a position in which they properly illuminate the rear number plate, as long as this is the case there are no further restrictions to where the driver fixes the individual lights. The most popular choice of placement though would be directly above and/or below the number plate, and in the indent in which the number plate is usually positioned.
Do you need to be able to see the light?
As long as the light adequately illuminates the rear plate you do not need to see the actual fixing on the light. Though older vehicles may have incandescent bulbs in these fittings, which are less efficient and less bright then LED bulbs. Upgrading to LED licence plate bulbs may save money in the long run, as they last so much longer than the older kind. The most popular light used is a low-key LED lights that go just above the number plate which is the TRADESMART number plate light available for purchase online.
Is there a limit to how powerful the lights can be?
Currently, there are no restrictions to the wattage used in the lights or the intensity of the lights. Naturally, you don’t want to blind other drivers though and fog lights would be excessive. A small LED light to illuminate the number plate is enough.
Can I use any colour light?
No. While there are lots of lights available you are only legally allowed to use white lights. This is so there is no chance of distortion when the plate is illuminated.
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