Competition Numbers on the Highway

[RogerLegg]

In the finals for the BMMC Curborough Sprint on 8th May it says "Please remember that numbers MUST be removed or covered before driving on the public highway". I understood that this requirement (section S 9.2.6) had been removed from the Blue Book. Can anyone please clarify?

[AG2728]

From the 2021 blue book

11.4.2. Competition numbers must be covered at all times when driving on the public highway.

1.5. It is recommended that Safety Cars have the decals removed or covered when on the public highway, and are driven in such a manner as not to bring the sport into disrepute.

2.6. It is recommended that Lead Cars have the decals removed when on the public highway and are driven in such a manner as not to bring the sport into disrepute.

3.4. It is recommended that Parade Cars have the decals removed or covered when on the public highway and are driven in such a manner as not to bring the sport into disrepute.

It's a Motorsport UK thing rather than a legal thing.

[Shaun_E]

I think it was proposed at one time to remove this requirement but the 2021 blue book has this in the Speed section: 

Competition Numbers

9.2.5. Cars will be identified by means of a competition number, allocated by the organisers, which must be visible from each side of the vehicle and displayed on a contrasting background in a proper and durable way, acceptable to the Chief Timekeeper of the day.

9.2.6. Competition numbers must be covered or removed at all times whilst driving on the public highway.

[Comp Sec]

The requirement was removed a few years ago but has been put back in this year.

[RogerLegg]

As I understand it 11.4.2 that you refer to is in section Q (Specific Regulations for Circuit Racing). When you look in Section S (Specific Regulations for Sprints, Hill Climbs and Drag Racing) there is a section entitled Competition Numbers where there used to be a similar statement about covering numbers (9.2.6). This section is now deleted.

[Comp Sec]

Post #3 from Shaun is quoting the 2021 regs. 9.2.6 is definitely in there in red so a change this year.

https://www.motorsportuk.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/2021-03-08-motorsport-uk-yearbook-2021-p349-359-specific-regulations-sprints-hill-climbs-and-drag-racing-s.pdf

Have you sold your trailer Roger?

[Richard Price]

I've just had a look at this.....

9.2.6 was deleted from 2019

The printed copy of the 2021 blue book states:-

9.2.6. Deleted

However, the online copy (which I understand includes any updates or corrections from the printed copy) states:-

9.2.6. Competition numbers must be covered or removed at all times whilst driving on the public highway.

https://www.motorsportuk.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/2021-03-08-motorsport-uk-yearbook-2021-p349-359-specific-regulations-sprints-hill-climbs-and-drag-racing-s.pdf

[RogerLegg]

Thank you all. I have the printed version and it says 9.2.6 Deleted.

In answer to your question Graham, I haven't sold my trailer but I do use the car occasionally on the road and it would be nice not to have to cover up the numbers. I have never understood the reason for having to do so as the car is covered in stickers that makes it obvious that it is a competition vehicle.

[pete_h]

Does covered up mean a bit of tape across them?

I believe the 'logic' behind it was to prevent people having unofficial races/rallys on the road to discourage speeding.

 

[CaterBram]

the requirement was reinstated on the 25th November 2020, so any books printed before then will not show.

https://www.motorsportuk.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/2020-11-25-regulation-changes.pdf

[Gloucestershire AR]

Having competition numbers on your car suggests your car is in a race or competition and racing on the highway is illegal so you are providing evidence your car is competing illegally on the highway.

So you could be guilty of an RTA offence and it may also invaildate your insurance (another offence...). You may also be bringing the sport into disrepute and therefore could suffer sanctions from what we used to call the MSA.

At least that was always my understanding!

Plus, it's just naff! :-)