Thule Rear Warning Signal Plate - question?

[The Nomad]

Technically a requirement here in Spain if your bikes/scooter overhang your rear lights.
In reality I'd estimate that well over 90% of the MH'S that we see chugging round Spain from all corners of Europe that should be displaying one, don't in practice. We never bothered.
I've never ever heard of anyone being fined for not displaying one, and neither has anyone on any of the Spanish Motorhome forums here.

 

[gus-lopez]

Been here before! If your bike's do not protrude beyond your number plate and rear lights on the carrier you do not require a warning triangle. However, the general acceptance on this forum was plastic warning plate for all European countries other than Italy who require a metal one by law. I'm of the view dealers will try and get you to buy the Ali one as it's more money in their tills.

The only legal one in Spain is a metal one.

We have a Thule tow bar mounted bike carrier. The bikes do not protrude beyond the number plate/rear lights of carrier.
We were stopped and fined €80, reduced to €40 for paying on spot. Be warned.
They then helped us buy a warning plate at nearby garage.
They were nice guys actually.

DaveandGinn
I was stating what happened, not complaining. I, like a previous poster, had misunderstood the law.
They did not protrude beyond the number plate on my carrier. You seem to think that would be OK. The Guadia Civil would disagree.

Philandmena
This was last June (2015) on the A23 just South of Teruel. They had 2 or 3 pairs of bikes out and were collecting dozens of vehicles for various infringements. I was the only foreigner.

Why was it reduced ? 50% discount is only for residents & then they do not have to pay on the spot but have 20 days, There is no discount for " paying on the spot" nor can you pay in cash for at least the last 2 years.
All Traffico cars carry credit/debit card readers now.
Any asking for cash are scamming & you should report them.
P.s they are always their at the "Sierra de Valverde" where the "Sierra de Javalambre" restaurant is & where there is a motorhome dump point. every day. They were there yesterday pulling in cars entering the service station /rest area. Another on the bridge with a radar & a car up the road towards Valencia & as you say normally 2 more at least on bikes that escort lorries off for checks. You should also be aware that on the other side that blue fenced area is a weighbridge .

Where does the 45cm rule come from Sue as that's only about 18" out? I assume the red light is the same as we have on vehicles in the UK

Yes it applies in Portugal. My Fiamma when not in use & folded back exceeds the 45cm rule & is illegal.

Technically a requirement here in Spain if your bikes/scooter overhang your rear lights.
In reality I'd estimate that well over 90% of the MH'S that we see chugging round Spain from all corners of Europe that should be displaying one, don't in practice. We never bothered.
I've never ever heard of anyone being fined for not displaying one, and neither has anyone on any of the Spanish Motorhome forums here.

Doesn't matter if there are any bikes on it or not . As an addition to the vehicle a board is required when not in use. My bike rack is homologated onto my spanish M7H log book but still requires a board even when not in use.
& yes I have been pulled for no marker boards . At the time I was using a triangle & got away with it. Mainly they'll pull you with a trailer with overhanging load & no board.

 

[JockandRita]

In a really, really weak moment a few years ago, I paid €9 in French accessory shop for one of those bike rack sign thingies. Why I did I will never understand.

I tied it on and had it there until the next time I used the bike (a week?)

It never, ever went back on display.

I have been through, and past, police checks, had my papers looked at, passport examined etc and none of them have ever bothered about the 'missing' sign.

I suppose this makes me a bad person in the eyes of some, but I am just one of those who doesn't tow every line always, and I don't get my knickers in a twist over every single piece of legislation brought in by the rule makers who need to keep making rules or they would be out of work.

I drive in Spain barefooted, I overnight in motorway service stations, I don't use my indicators if I am on an empty road in the middle of the night, I get out of the van without wearing a high viz vest and I sometimes park on the 'wrong' side on the road.

I have never had a habitation check, I have never weighed my van nor have I ever been weighed.

What I can't understand is how I am not dead (yet) or locked up for these shameful 'illegal' activities.

Worry is a dreadful, damaging and totally useless emotion.

JJ

Next you'll be telling us JJ, that you can fall into a pile of sh1te, and come out smelling of roses.

Cheers,

Jock.

 

[Dave and Ginny]

P.s they are always their at the "Sierra de Valverde" where the "Sierra de Javalambre" restaurant is & where there is a motorhome dump point. every day. They were there yesterday pulling in cars entering the service station /rest area.

Must be great for business! Sounds like a rest a rest area best avoided

 

[sonny]

Tried buying a spanish type warning board through numerous well known m/h dealers
not one had any knowledge of it only place to get is on ebay or amazon.

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[Dave and Ginny]

Tried buying a spanish type warning board through numerous well known m/h dealers
not one had any knowledge of it only place to get is on ebay or amazon.

Try these...I've had a few bits and pieces from them, pretty good prices generally. Handy for me as just around the corner!

Link Removed

 

[sonny]

Thanks for that I will contact them

 

[gus-lopez]

Must be great for business! Sounds like a rest a rest area best avoided

No actually usually there isn't any problems with them. The other day they were just going through the motions & it is always a decent place to sleep as they are always parked up their taking their breaks.

Tried buying a spanish type warning board through numerous well known m/h dealers
not one had any knowledge of it only place to get is on ebay or amazon.

Many ferreterias sell the metal boards here. About 28€.
You can't be done if using the other board with 5 red stripes as it is EU compliant.

 

[Dave and Ginny]

No actually usually there isn't any problems with them. The other day they were just going through the motions & it is always a decent place to sleep as they are always parked up their taking their breaks.


Many ferreterias sell the metal boards here. About 28€.
You can't be done if using the other board with 5 red stripes as it is EU compliant.

Talk about confusing...

I'm going to get a metal plate as it will be easier to fit (on some brackets attached to the tack) than the flexible Fiamma type. I thought I'd get the Spanish style one as I believe I'm correct in thinking they're not compulsory in France so I might as well get the one for where they are compulsory...Spain. I'll worry about the other countries when I visit them.

Does that sound sensible or am I being to pedantic!

 

[PhilandMena]

Buy plastic and save some money. I've been all over Europe and Italy twice and never been stopped yet. I think the police have much more important things to deal with than stopping every motorhome with a warning plate, to see if it's metal rather than plastic.

^{_{Subscribers  do not see these advertisements}}

 

[Viennese]

According to adverts one is compulsory in Spain - we've been without one for 3 holidays in Spain and never got stopped

 

[busby]

In a really, really weak moment a few years ago, I paid €9 in French accessory shop for one of those bike rack sign thingies. Why I did I will never understand.

I tied it on and had it there until the next time I used the bike (a week?)

It never, ever went back on display.

I have been through, and past, police checks, had my papers looked at, passport examined etc and none of them have ever bothered about the 'missing' sign.

I suppose this makes me a bad person in the eyes of some, but I am just one of those who doesn't tow every line always, and I don't get my knickers in a twist over every single piece of legislation brought in by the rule makers who need to keep making rules or they would be out of work.

I drive in Spain barefooted, I overnight in motorway service stations, I don't use my indicators if I am on an empty road in the middle of the night, I get out of the van without wearing a high viz vest and I sometimes park on the 'wrong' side on the road.

I have never had a habitation check, I have never weighed my van nor have I ever been weighed.

What I can't understand is how I am not dead (yet) or locked up for these shameful 'illegal' activities.

Worry is a dreadful, damaging and totally useless emotion.

JJ

Watch out i have just reported you to The Guardia Civil,,,BUSBY