Licence plateAustralia

Learn traffic rules with clear explanations and visual examples in our illustrated book, designed to make studying simple and engaging.


46. Licence plate

A licence plate, also called a registration plate or number plate, is a plate displaying a unique registration identifier assigned to a vehicle by the competent registration authority. It allows the vehicle to be identified for purposes such as registration, traffic enforcement, taxation, insurance and parking control.

The appearance, format, placement and number of plates required vary between countries and vehicle categories. Drivers must ensure that required licence plates are correctly fitted, clearly visible and legible and must follow the local rules when a plate is lost, stolen, damaged or replaced.

Licence plate
Licence plate of Australia.
Wikimedia.org • sv1ambo • CC BY
What is a licence plate?

A licence plate is a plate displaying the registration identifier assigned to a vehicle. It allows authorities and other authorised systems to identify the vehicle's registration.

Is a licence plate the same as a registration plate?

Yes. Licence plate, registration plate and number plate are different terms commonly used for the plate displaying a vehicle's official registration number.

Does every vehicle need a licence plate?

Most motor vehicles used on public roads must display one or more registration plates, but requirements differ for motorcycles, trailers, agricultural vehicles and other special vehicle categories.

Do vehicles need both front and rear licence plates?

This depends on the country and vehicle type. Cars commonly require front and rear plates, while motorcycles and certain other vehicles may require only a rear plate.

Must a licence plate remain visible?

Yes. A required registration plate must normally remain clearly visible and readable. It should not be hidden by luggage, dirt, accessories or other objects.

Can you modify a licence plate?

Generally no. Changing the characters, colours, dimensions or appearance of an official plate may make it invalid or illegal. Plates and authorised reproductions must comply with local specifications.

What should you do if a licence plate is lost or stolen?

Follow the local reporting and replacement procedure. Many countries require the loss or theft to be reported to the police or vehicle-registration authority before a replacement plate can be issued.

Can you drive with a damaged licence plate?

A plate must remain legible and compliant with local requirements. If damage prevents it from being read or makes it invalid, it should be replaced according to the local registration procedure.

Can a licence plate be personalised?

Some countries allow motorists to request a personalised registration combination. The available characters, formats and prohibited combinations are determined by the registration authority.

Does a licence plate stay with the vehicle when it is sold?

This varies between countries. In some systems the plate remains with the vehicle, while in others it remains associated with the registered holder and may be retained or returned when the vehicle is sold.

1 Australia 2 Motorway 3 Residential area 4 Speed limit 5 Advisory speed 6 Bike path 7 Pedestrian warning 8 Bridge 9 Speed bump 10 Toll road 11 One-way traffic 12 Slope 13 Bus stop 14 Stop sign 15 Give way 16 Roundabout 17 Pedestrian crossing 18 Railway crossing 19 Mandatory direction 20 Turn prohibition 21 School area 22 Crossing animals 23 Slippery road 24 Curve 25 Chevron 26 Wrong-way driving 27 Height limit 28 Radar speed sign 29 Selective barriers 30 Traffic lights 31 Traffic lights warning 32 Pedestrian lights 33 Road markings 34 Left-hand traffic 35 Driving licence 36 Location marker 37 Emergency telephone 38 No parking 39 No stopping 40 Disabled parking 41 Traffic management 42 Reversing 43 U-turn 44 Uncontrolled crossroad 45 Oversize load 46 Licence plate 47 Charging station 48 Local traffic 49 Moped 50 Truck 51 Bus 52 Police 53 Ambulance 54 Pothole 55 Path 56 Particulates 57 Air pollution 58 Rush hour 59 Road code 60 Two-way traffic 61 Street gutter 62 Cargo bike 63 Forestry vehicle 64 Construction vehicle 65 Semi-trailer truck 66 Trolleybus 67 Speed pedelec 68 Delivery vehicle 69 Idling 70 Tow truck 71 Four-wheel drive 72 Bicycle 73 Motorcycle equipment 74 Tram 75 Rail track 76 Caravan 77 Trailer 78 Tow hitch 79 Fire truck 80 Siren 81 Convoy 82 Emergency vehicle lighting 83 Agricultural machinery 84 Electric bicycle 85 Electric vehicle 86 Pedelec 87 Quadricycle 88 Microcar 89 All-terrain vehicle 90 Van 91 Recreational vehicle 92 Scooter 93 Trikke 94 Personal mobility device 95 Skateboard 96 Segway 97 Kick scooter 98 Roller skates 99 Mailman 100 Hitchhiker ...