General Is it illegal to drive with no front bumper?

[BenYoung]

Title says it all really. Is it legal or not?

Looking to send my bumper off to a local body shop for some work and want to know if I can make it home + maybe do the odd bit of driving here and there without being harassed by the police.

Had a mixed bag of answers when searching google, sure someone here can help

 

[homeward]

My suspicion is that it's not legal: probably because of what lurks behind the bumper in the way of sharp edges, etc.. (Greater -- less tired -- minds than mine will confirm....)

Even if you don't get hassled by the police, I'd be concerned about the insurance, and what would happen if you were in an accident -- especially if it involved a ding at the front. I think it would open you up to all sorts of liabilities; and I don't think the insurance company would do anything other than walk away....

My gut feeling is that you already suspect this... -- and I'd therefore be looking either for a courtesy car; a short-term cheap rental; borrowing a mate's (providing you're insured, of course!); or catching the bus (although I know this is a cr*p solution, really: as I live in the middle of nowhere...).

 

[martwho]

Totally agree! Bumpers are there for a reason. Imagine what would happen if you hit someone full on with your radiator etc. exposed.
Almost certainly your going to get pulled and have to leave your car where it stands or they will cart it off for you + costs to recover.

Don't do in my opinion - not worth the risk

 

[portland_bill]

It does all depend on what is behind the bumper. Plastic bumpers are really only there for cosmetic appearance, as they offer almost no impact protection. However, they do offer a smooth surface for hitting people. (Not quite the correct technical answer)
At MOT time, the tester will inspect the car for any sharp or protruding parts that could cause injury. As cars get older, this normally equates to frilly wheelarches, or crash damage that sticks out. Removing the bumper will probably expose sharp stuff, which may be difficult or impossible to remove. So unless you could create some sort of padded bar across the front, which could be a lot of hassle, you are best leaving the car off road. Don't forget you'd have to mount the numberplate too.

We can now all imagine a picture of you carrying the bumper to the bodyshop on the bus.

 

[middo85]

Dont drive it, you could be looking at prosecution under S40A Road Traffic Act, 'using a vehicle in a dangerous condition' as it could cause injury should you be involved in a collision with a pedestrian for example.

It is somewhat subjective what constitutes a 'dangerous condition' but im sure you wouldnt like to be in court with it being decided, not worth the risk IMO

 

[jameshobiecat]

I'm not sure how much they cost but how about buying another bumper from a scrappy and either sending that one away or swapping them over and sending the original one away.

 

[BenYoung]

Okay looks like I won't be driving anywhere! Will most likely just leave th car at the body shop and get the missus to taxi me around!

 

[RD55 DUN]

get the missus to taxi me around!

Thats what the Mrs is for!

 

[AgnessGP]

What you having done ben?

 

[Andy Monty]

Go to your local scrappie have a polite chat with the owner and offer an exchange of a few beer tokens to "borrow" a bumper off a scrap gp

 

[the rake]

If your local to London (which I doubt) I have a spare in my garage you can use,...

 

[Magic Johnson]

Why don't you tape a small child to the front of your car instead?

 

[Andy Monty]

Why don't you tape a small child to the front of your car instead?

If you do that remember to stay below 30mph..