Ask an expert

My daughter recently bought a car which had a sticker type front number plate on the bonnet.

The car had a new warrant on it and the seller said it had not failed its inspection in the three years she had it because of the plate. The sticker was identical to a real plate and in good view.

The first time she took it to work and parked on the street she received a $200 ticket from a ACC parking warden for displaying an "inappropriate" plate.

Can you please tell me if these are actually illegal?

My daughter had just done an AA driving test during which the car was inspected but no comment made.

We have now changed the plates so a warden wont swoop again.

Dave

From the "Ask Jack" archives - 8 December 2009

A painted or non genuine number plate is not a Warrant of Fitness check requirement.

It does not fall under safety, and therefore sits under regulatory.

Until such time as authorities such as parking wardens, or police officers take issue with the sticker type front number plate, the car could pass its WoF inspections without any problems.

A rear number plate not illuminated correctly is a WoF item to be checked however.