The owner of a motor vehicle shall cause the number plate of such motor vehicle to be affixed thereto, from the date of licensing of such motor vehicle, in the manner referred to in subregulation (7), whether or not such motor vehicle is operated on a public road: Provided that the provisions of this subregulation shall not apply in respect of a number plate which is removed from such motor vehicle for the purpose of effecting repairs to such motor vehicle or number plate, and while such motor vehicle is not operated on a public road.