Hi Guys, just a quickie..

Is it illegal to drive a care without a bonnet?

 

i've searched google and everyone says probably/maybe/likely but can someone tell me definitely.

 

Rich

If you look at it logically from a public safety aspect, i would say no. You have got a fan spinning, hot rad and engine, so if someone was to touch it, fall into or on it, or you knock someone over then i dont think you stand much chance legally.

 

If its just round the corner then maybe but not for a long journey or through town.

You won't find anything that says "it's illegal to drive without a bonnet". What you will find is

Additionally, (Section 2A(2) RTA 1988) provides that a person is to regarded as driving dangerously if it would be obvious to a competent and careful driver that driving the vehicle in its current state would be dangerous. When considering the state of the vehicle, regard may be had to anything carried by or attached to the vehicle: (Section 2A(4) RTA 1988).

http://www.lawcentres.org/support/knowledgebase.php?article=88

 

and

RTA http://www.opsi.gov.uk/acts/acts1991/ukpga_19910040_en_2

 

Using vehicle in dangerous condition etc

A person is guilty of an offence if he uses, or causes or permits another to use, a motor vehicle or trailer on a road when—

(a) the condition of the motor vehicle or trailer, or of its accessories or equipment, or

(b) the purpose for which it is used, or

© the number of passengers carried by it, or the manner in which they are carried, or

(d) the weight, position or distribution of its load, or the manner in which it is secured,

is such that the use of the motor vehicle or trailer involves a danger of injury to any person.”

 

Driving a vehicle with engine exposed, you'd be hard put to prove in court that this wouldn't involve a danger of injury to any person. Or that a competent and careful driver wouldn't say it was obvious it was dangerous.

 

And that's whether you're going 50 feet or 50 miles.

Yeah, thought as much, gotta borrow that Van instead...

 

R