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I came back to my car the other day to find a ticket on the screen and a $200 fine for an 'improperly displayed number plate'. I can only assume that the ticket was because the front number plate is bent. It's only a minor bend and the number is still clearly visible and has not been defaced.

The vehicle also passed its last WOF with the bent number plate so I'm wondering if this ticket is fair or if the traffic warden was just having a bad day!

Any tips/advice greatly appreciated as $200 seems a bit steep for a bent plate!

Dave

From the "Ask Jack" archives - 20 August 2009

I have heard there has been a clamp down on number plate presentation from some regions (particularly Auckland). This is more to do with a number plate not being genuine however (a number painted into the bumper or to suit a particular vehicle).

If the plate was simply bent it does sound extreme and I would advise you write into or contact the authority concerned.

You will no doubt find the fine is able to be written for that amount but whether it is ethical to do so for a such a minor infringement is the debatable question. Did they take a photo of the plate which they can produce?

Don't give up trying to get a sensible answer but don't hold your breath they will let you off either.

A friend of mine was ticketed in late 2008 by a traffic warden for his WoF sticker not holed stamped for the month of expiry even though the WoF didn't expire until 2009 which is clearly displayed on the label.

Common sense goes out the window at times.