Help Me Please- Number Plate BIG Problem

[Crimson King 500]

I had the Griff MOT'd last week, it failed all because I had the wrong plates on the back, now got new ones that are see thru, I have lined the opening with silver foil and I have cleaned up the lights, but I still reckon that it will fail as it is still very dimly lit.
Help me please, resorted to ordering another plate from another source today, but have you tried getting plates these days, new laws, dictate that they need a utility bill, proof of ownership and your driving licence!
Thanks Folks.
CK500

[mongoose]

blimey! cant see what more you can do there mate.you shouldnt have to resort to silver foil when you have a see through plate,even if paint colour is dark.just a thought but have you tried looking for higher wattage bulbs? surprisingly i found a choice of wattages in ciggy lighter ilumination bulbs(within the same fitting)for another car of mine, so it might be worth asking local motorfactors when taking bulb in.dont be too worried though as i find it hard to believe it wont pass.

[trefor]

Agreed - I uprated the wattage of the bulb in my speedo to make it the same brightness as the other dials. Take a bulb out and see what fits.

BTW - they're all dim anyway - take a look at the next Chimaera/Griffith you see at night with it's lights on. If the car fails with the correct type of plate on then go somewhere else.

I also have higher wattage headlamp bulbs (been in for 5 years and used a lot - no probs with wiring - 55/80 normally, 80/100s in now).

[ATG]

My Chim was failed for this by the local MOT firm until I showed them the back-lighting system. Showing them that there was a lighting system was enough, plus the obvious arguement that all these cars are set up this way so it must be legal. Of course back on planet earth, along with every other Chim and Griff I've seen with backlit plates, it doesn't work at all well.

[plipton]

Don't use silver foil - it doesn't diffuse the light enough. I used some matt white sticky back plastic and this is much better.

That said, I agree with the others - use brighter bulbs (and white backing) to get the MoT then swap back.

[Guillotine]

1..go somewhere else, they'll pass you.

2..lamp up grade, festoon style, 12v - highest wattage you can get (6w).

3..vanity mirrors from convenience/corner shop. reflect ALL light (75p)

cheers

[Crimson King 500]

Good news she passed, but the last tip about the vanity mirrors is a good one to bear in mind.
Thanks.