Motorists Australia-wide are being warned about the new fine of $880 that revolves around number plates, and the lack of observance to the setback could prove costly. With the new revisions, not only will number plates be penalised for being covered, they will also be penalised for being obscured, altered, or tampered in any way. This new measure is part of a broad initiative being pursued by the National Transport Commission to improve and maintain road safety, and ensure that vehicle identification is clear and reliable for enforcement agencies.
Number Plate Rules
The main purpose for these new rules is a direct result of the increasing number of people that try to cover their plates, which can easily be overlooked, in efforts to de crime and de traffic any incriminating actions. Reports coming in from the officials state that there is a growing number of people who attach temporary and illegal devices that attempt to cover or alter a vehicle’s number plate to be seen by speed detection and road toll devices. We are Currently in a time where not only is it illegal, but also endangers the safety of road users due to the misuse of enforcement devices and the automatic control system.
Issue infringement notices
According to the new law, a “device” includes tints, covered plates, and anything else that hinders the reading of a registration plate, and such ‘devices’ will be considered an offense. Moreover, anything that ‘obstructs,’ such as dirt, a license plate border, or any other ‘frame’ that surrounds the numbers, could incur the maximum penalty. The police can now issue infringement notices on the spot, which makes it easier to deal with registration plate offences without having to go through long procedure delays.
Alison Wright, in her capacity as the Transport Minister for New South Wales, believes the legislation has a nationwide scope. “It’s the same, whether you are in the heart of a busy Sydney suburb or out in the far reaches of the Northern Territory,” she noted in a recent statement. “All vehicles must comply for the purpose of law enforcement as well as prompt emergency response. This is disproportionate ask for a huge public good.”
Application of standard frames
Skeptics of the reform would argue that the punitive weight of an $880 fine on low-income motorists is egregious, and that enforcement bias is an equally legitimate concern. Community activists have emphasized the pressing need to define legitimate disply alterations—a such as the application of standard frames or protective covers as opposed to wilful tampering. In response to public accusations, the National Transport Commission has issued a comprehensive policy on plate accessories that describe accessories, along with a structured appeals mechanism for those who feel they have been wrongly charged.
Educational initiatives
Some traffic violators may say the cost of the fine is too harsh, but the revenue loss from the unpaid tolls and the additional burden on the legal system tell a different story. It is the cost of the plate fraud on the system. As per Ms. Wright, alongside the legal changes, educational initiatives will also take place, including roadside workshops on compliant plate care, and signage for new legislation will be on roads for easy accessibility.
Motorists are warned that before the set date, they scan their vehicles and take off all unnecessary covers, tints, or frames that may violate the set standards, and together with them will be the rest of the vehicles on the road. Number plate compliant accessories are on high demand and are suggested to be sold alongside other vehicles in the service outlet shops. The authorities expect, with the right and easy communication of policies, together with compliance, they will be able to achieve a more accountable road system, which will give the drivers a true and real picture of fool-proofed driving.