Can you make your own number plates?
Number plates are a vehicle’s legal ID and must be clearly displayed. We look at some of the regulations surrounding this small, rectangular slab of aluminium.
Homemade
South Australian number plates are made under contract by Queensland-based firm LicenSys.
The company must comply with detailed specifications, including the type and thickness of material used, the degree of retroreflectivity (for night visibility), resistance to fuel and oil damage, font style, size, and a slew of other requirements.
To ensure all number plates meet the same standards, it’s illegal to knock up a set of your own. Motorists caught on the road with non-compliant number plates face a hefty fine of $807, plus a $99 Victims of Crime Levy.
Don’t block the view
Number plates must be fitted to the front and rear of a vehicle and be clearly readable from up to 20m away. Motorcycles, caravans, trailers and special-purpose vehicles, like tractors, only require a plate to be attached to the rear.
For night visibility, the rear number plate must be fitted with a white light, allowing visibility for up to 20m.
Plates must not be obscured by a tow ball, bike carrier, plastic cover, dirt or anything else.
A grubby or obscured number plate can attract a $550 fine, plus a $99 Victims of Crime Levy.
The same applies if the number plate has deteriorated to the point that it’s no longer legible.
Is there a warranty?
Yes. General issue aluminium plates carry a 10-year warranty, while some types of specialty plates have shorter warranty periods.
Like all warranties, there are conditions. It can be voided if deterioration results from using unsuitable detergent, abrasive cleaner or a high-pressure water gun.
To replace a plate under warranty, hand it into Service SA, who’ll send it to the manufacturer for assessment and replacement.
Service SA will provide a receipt to allow the car to be driven without a plate(s) until the new one(s) is fitted.
Bike carrier rules
In line with the no obstruction rule, a bike carrier can’t block the number plate of the towing vehicle. To prevent this, order a small bike rack plate from Service SA or attach the towing vehicle’s rear number plate to the carrier.
It’s illegal to have a full-sized number plate on both the bike carrier and the towing vehicle.
If the carrier prevents the towing vehicle’s brake lights from being seen from up to 200m away under normal weather conditions, additional brake lights must be attached to the carrier.
Safety first
All gaseous-fuelled vehicles, such as liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), liquefied natural gas (LNG), and compressed natural gas (CNG) must have a warning label.
Additionally, all electric, hybrid and hydrogen powered vehicles built or modified after 1 January 2019 must display an approved safety label on both number plates.
RAA recommends all these vehicles, no matter the age, have the relevant safety labels fitted to help emergency services understand the hazards that might be present when they arrive at an incident.