Number Plate

ConsumerMan · Senior Member

Number Plate

Mamil · Senior Member

Interesting question, but I can only offer an insight on what the situation is in WA, not NSW.

Here in WA you can get an auxiliary rego plate for a trailer (including caravan) and so the rules are exactly the same as for the tow vehicle, ie the original rego plate must stay PERMANENTLY attached to the vehicle in question, and if it is obscured by something on the rear, then that object must have an auxiliary plate.

You'll notice I also have another set of lights on the bike rack because the bike also obscures the originals, but as you say that's another story...

Camper and bike (small).jpg .

-- Edited by Mamil on Thursday 28th of October 2021 07:57:41 PM

kgarnett · Senior Member

Road Transport (Vehicle Registration) Regulation 2017 [NSW], Clause 22:
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(4) An auxiliary number-plate must not be displayed unless the rear number-plate of the motor vehicle for which it is issued is obscured by

(a) an apparatus attached to the motor vehicle for use in transporting a bicycle, personal mobility device or motor bike, or

(b) a trailer or caravan being towed by the motor vehicle, but only if the number-plate of the trailer or caravan is obstructed by an apparatus attached to the trailer or caravan for use in
transporting a bicycle or personal mobility device,

Ken

-- Edited by kgarnett on Thursday 28th of October 2021 08:53:40 PM

PeterInSa · Guru

SA has smaller Rego plates for Bike racks about 1/3 the size, you also need a number plate light.

ConsumerMan · Senior Member

OK, that seems to be quite clear. If the caravan number plate is obscured by the bike rack you attach an auxiliary plate for the tow vehicle. Cheers, thanks.

dabbler · Guru

Each state is different in how an obscured number plate should be handled. Check your own state.

peatop · Senior Member

I often carry my kayak on the roof racks and to get it on them I use a T loader this obscures the number plate somewhat, so when I went to northern NSW I removed the number plate from the car and attached it to the T loader, over the 6 weeks in NSW I never had any issues.

Wizardofoz · Guru

peatop wrote:
I often carry my kayak on the roof racks and to get it on them I use a T loader this obscures the number plate somewhat, so when I went to northern NSW I removed the number plate from the car and attached it to the T loader, over the 6 weeks in NSW I never had any issues.

That's not to say it was legal or otherwise, it's just a case of nobody questioning it?

Possum3 · Guru

In NSW, If driving with a bike rack on your vehicle that obscures your number plate, an auxiliary plate is needed.

It is commonly thought that displaying a handwritten number plate is enough, however this is illegal. A clearly displayed handwritten number plate can still incur a fine and a loss of demerit points. Number plates and tail lights need to be clearly visible. Therefore, a light board may be needed as well.

www.service.nsw.gov.au/transaction/order-auxiliary-plates

bicyclensw.org.au/auxiliary-plates/

ConsumerMan · Senior Member

peatop wrote:
I often carry my kayak on the roof racks and to get it on them I use a T loader this obscures the number plate somewhat, so when I went to northern NSW I removed the number plate from the car and attached it to the T loader, over the 6 weeks in NSW I never had any issues.

I guess it depends on what mood the copper is in that is following you.