Numberplates to be Kept Visible

Motorists are reminded of the requirements to have clearly visible vehicle numberplates at all times.

Registered operators of a motor vehicle must ensure that:

  • Numberplates are visible on the vehicle at all times;
  • Numberplates are not altered from their original form;
  • Numberplates are affixed in an upright position, parallel to the vehicle’s axle and be no more than 1.3m above ground level;
  • No object over or in the vicinity of a numberplate obscures or reduces the visibility of the numberplate;
  • Any numberplate cover is clear, clean and flat and has no reflective qualities; and
  • Numberplates are clearly visible at a distance of 20m from the vehicle.

Trailer - is required to have the numberplate affixed at or near its rear.

Motorcycle - is required to have the numberplate affixed to the rear.

It is an offence to apply a substance that interferes with a clear photograph being taken by a photographic detection device.

Some common problems that police detect with numberplates are:

  • Tow balls and bike racks obscuring one or more numbers on the plate;
  • Worn and old numberplates that have a grey background instead of white;
  • Unreadable because of dirt or have been cut down;
  • Homemade numberplates; and
  • Additional screws in numberplates that alter the appearance of a letter or number.

The penalty for displaying an obscured numberplate is a $110 fine.

More information on vehicle registration plates is available on Department of Infrastructure, Energy and Resources (Transport) website:

http://www.transport.tas.gov.au/fees_tas/vehicle_registration_-_miscellaneous_fees

(10 April 2008)

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