Talk Morgan Forums Morgan Sports Cars Morgan Three Wheeler & Super 3 Trip to D-CH-F-MCO-I-AT - what do I need?

Seems to be a bit of a lottery whether your car comes up as Class 3 or 4 on the database. I had a couple of Class 4 stations knock mine back from testing when they checked the registration number.

Yes, mine has no license plate in the front, but this seems to be 'normal' in Germany.

There is some confusion whether the rear license plate must be a big one for cars or a small one for motorbikes.
My registration office insisted on a small one!?

Can I get into trouble if I am traveling abroad with only a rear license plate?

As soon as the weather forecast predicts one week of sunshine or at least mostly dry weather.

My M3W is from 2016.

That used to be the case but the regulations were updated last year. The M3W and Super3 are subject to EU44/2014 Annex XIV paragraph 1.3.1 which says:

"Front registration plates are deemed unsuitable for vehicles of categories L1e, L2e, L3e, L4e, L5e, which shall therefore not be equipped with such spaces"

Your V5 registration document may show your car as class L5 or L5e. In EU44/2014 Chapter II Article 4 paragraph 3 it states that:

"References to vehicle categories L1, L2, L3, L4, L5, L6 and L7 in the UNECE regulations shall be understood as references to vehicle categories L1e, L2e, L3e, L4e, L5e, L6e and L7e respectively under this Regulation, including any subcategories."

So the requirements for L5e apply to our cars.

The EU document is available at
https://eur-lex.europa.eu/LexUriServ/LexUriServ.do?uri=OJ:L:2014:025:0001:0102:EN:PDF

Chapter II Article 4 para 3 is on page 8
Annex XIV paragraph 1.3.1 is on page 86.

Re the weight, Table Ap1-1 on page 64 shows the weight limit for L5e is now up to 1,000kg

These changes may take some time to filter down to our MOT test stations so I'd suggest you either fit a front plate for the test or ask the tester before the test if they are aware a front plate is not required.

Use an MOT tester with common sense, no front plate, black and silver rear plate, never had a problem. Although I carry a yellow and black rear plate under the passenger seat just in case.

The MOT testing processes have been tightened up so there is less discretion for the tester. If you have someone who is OK with no front plate that's great but knowing about the above documentation is useful if not - and also if you are stopped by police (or Gendarmes etc!).

Super 3's have this sticker in the boot which refers to the above.

The "Vignette" needed in CH for driving on the highway is the same for cars and motorbikes. Furthermore, you must wear your seatbelt, but helmet is optional (but on highway I would highly recommend one anyway).

Apparently I chose the right timing: I left on Saturday 15.07., returned on Friday 21.07. and had altogether just 15 minutes of light drizzle.

On my way I had to replace one fuse (instrument light) but needed no other spare parts.

But now my Threewheeler definitely makes some noises that weren't there when I started.

"There is some confusion whether the rear license plate must be a big one for cars or a small one for motorbikes.
My registration office insisted on a small one!?

Can I get into trouble if I am traveling abroad with only a rear license plate?"

As a german, i have no front license plate, and as far as I know, for those questions, it is the law of your home country, which is what you have to do or not to do, so no problems. I carry a helmet with me, I prefer this on the Autobahn, especially when it is raining. I made 30.000 km in Germany, France, Netherlands, Belgium, Switzerland and UK, never had any discussions with the police. And I wear sailing clothes when it rains, perfect for me (and a good suncream (!))

Achim alias Waldemar