wrap-around bull bars - legal niceties ?

assuming that i actually get around to buying these things, what are the legal ramifications ?

i've dug up all sorts on various posts from them being entirely illegal, to being fine if second hand and fitted on an older vehicle, to stuffing up your insurance by ludicrous amounts to being responsible for global warming and england being crap under steve mclaren - does anyone know the facts ?

i'm looking at - second hand wrap-around metal bars (STC50022) being fitted to a 2001 DII TD5, insured as non-modified with adrian flux. i've got product literature for the exact model that i have (from when it was on sale new, obviously) with these being shown as optional extras, so presumably i could make a case for them having been "factory fitted" and therefore not a modification ?

thanks in advance for any info

From a legal point of view, as long as the bull bars are securely fitted and don't excessively obscure the number plate, lights and indicators, then they are fine. The insurance issue is completely different however. Some insurers have no problem at all with them, some class them as modifications and will charge an extra premium for them and other insurers will not cover any vehicle that is fitted with them. The best policy is to contact your insurers customer service team before you fit them. Be aware that if you do fit them and "forget" to notify your insurance company, you may find that it invalidates your insurance, which as well as offering no protection in the event of an accident, can also lead to a heavy fine and 6 points on your license at the very least!

there was a change in the law last year (could be the year before) that if they were fitted before a date then that was ok but they could not be fitted after that date but i dont no that would happern if they were fitted when you got it