pulled over by a police car...

[Brian]

From Qld transport web site

VHow can I tell if my number plates are legible?

Legally, the characters on the number plate must be visible from 20 metres (m) away at any point within an arc of 45 degrees from the surface of the plate, above or to either side of the vehicle. Number plates must be permanently attached to a vehicle so that when it is on level ground the plates are upright, horizontal, and not more than 1.3 m above the ground.

Over time, exhaust fumes, chemicals, stones, the sun, and general wear and tear can damage your plates and make them hard to read. So it is a good idea to check their condition especially if you have older plates.

Some plates are obviously deteriorated or damaged. Others may look okay but are hard to read from a distance or at night. Standard plates are guaranteed for 10 years.

You could be fined up to A$320 for not replacing your old or illegible plates.

Police and transport inspectors regularly check the condition of number plates. It's your responsibility to ensure your plates are in a legible condition and to replace them or clean them if they're not.


Last updated 07 April 2010

Doesn't mention plate covers, but I suspect if you got an arseh*le of a cop, then they may be able to claim illegibility in some reflected light
I'm not going to sweat it.
Brian

[Brian]

No it's not. I find it hard to believe that so many people know so little about the law with regards to the operation of a motor vehicle.

The driver alone is responsible for making sure his car is roadworthy before he drives it. It doesn't matter if the car is yours, a friends, a rental or a work car. If you drive it and the car is found to be unroadworthy it's your responsibility.

Well said Maverick. I too am astounded by the ignorance of some drivers WRT their obligations under the law.
Brian

[Maverick]

From Qld transport web site


Doesn't mention plate covers, but I suspect if you got an arseh*le of a cop, then they may be able to claim illegibility in some reflected light
I'm not going to sweat it.
Brian

Altrex who are one of the major manufacturers say

"Are they legal?
Yes. At Altrex we have manufactured and distributed number plate protectors for over 15 years in Australia. They are legal in all states and do not contravene the regulations laid down in the Motor Traffic Regulations in any state or territory. The regulations state that a number plate cover must not cause the letters or numbers on a number plate to be obscured in any way. Provided your number plate protector is clean and does not obscure your plate’s letters or numbers in any way, your Altrex Number Plate Protector is legal.

Neither the lined or unlined Altrex Number Plate Protectors prevent the letters or numbers from being clearly seen from a long distance (in excess of 20m which is the legal requirement). None of our covers are tinted. All Altrex covers are flat across the entire surface. They do not contain any reflective material nor do they have any characteristics which impede radar or speed cameras.

If you have any questions about this issue please do not hesitate to contact us. We can supply copies of all approvals from the police and motor transport relevant authorities on request."

Altrex - FAQ for our high quality automotive accessories

It's entirely possible that the OP's number plate frames are marginal with respect to the law.

[maca]

Altrex who are one of the major manufacturers say

"Are they legal?
Yes. At Altrex we have manufactured and distributed number plate protectors for over 15 years in Australia. They are legal in all states and do not contravene the regulations laid down in the Motor Traffic Regulations in any state or territory. The regulations state that a number plate cover must not cause the letters or numbers on a number plate to be obscured in any way. Provided your number plate protector is clean and does not obscure your plate’s letters or numbers in any way, your Altrex Number Plate Protector is legal.

Neither the lined or unlined Altrex Number Plate Protectors prevent the letters or numbers from being clearly seen from a long distance (in excess of 20m which is the legal requirement). None of our covers are tinted. All Altrex covers are flat across the entire surface. They do not contain any reflective material nor do they have any characteristics which impede radar or speed cameras.

If you have any questions about this issue please do not hesitate to contact us. We can supply copies of all approvals from the police and motor transport relevant authorities on request."

Altrex - FAQ for our high quality automotive accessories

It's entirely possible that the OP's number plate frames are marginal with respect to the law.

Long story short - the cop was a douche.

[Maverick]

Long story short - the cop was a douche.

I didn't know you were there to see exactly what transpired!

[maca]

I didn't know you were there to see exactly what transpired!

I'm going by OP's reconstruction.

[Karlosovic]

that is reflected in how much cheaper it is to insure a GTI compared to a rice rocket.

I've never tried to insure anything made of rice, but my insurance sure isn't what I'd call 'cheap'

Oh and if the passenger is over 18 they get the fine, not the driver!

Then why do they have ads all over the radio on double-demerit weekends saying "If you and just 1 passenger aren't wearing seatbelts - you'll lose your licence!" ???


@Maverick - while I agree with you in general (to an extent - at most times, in most threads) you certainly do make me feel less guilty about all the times someone has called me 'harsh' or a 'nazi'

[Highlander]

How is the dealer responsible? If he has a ticket issued it'll be to him not the dealer and he can take it to court and see what a judge has to say but at the end of the day it's his car and he's responsible for it.

Have to agree with Maverick. Dealer may be morally responsible for selling you "unroadworthy number plate covers" but you are driving it, you are the one legally responsible for the condition of the car you were driving and you get the ticket if it eventuates.

Cop did the right thing in giving the OP a warning. If the plate covers make the plate more difficult or impossible to read in certain conditions he has probably saved the OP a fine imposed by a more zealous or less understanding cop.

Dealer has actually sold you a car that will easily break all our speed limits but I don't think a naughty driver would be able to sheet the responsibility for the speeding ticket back to the selling dealer.

Silly argument I know but no sillier than advising the OP not to worry as it would be the dealer's responsibility if he got a ticket for non compliant number plate covers.

[Corey_R]

Oh and if the passenger is over 18 they get the fine, not the driver!

Not in QLD, the driver gets fined if the anyone in the car is not wearing a seatbelt.

Guys, I just want to confirm that in NSW, if ANYONE in your car does not have a seatbelt on, regardless of age, THE DRIVER will receive the fine and Demerit points.

A single person in the car without a seatbelt means 3 Demerit points + $253 fine. Two people in the car means 6 Demerit points + $506 fine. On a double Demerit poitns weekend, this means INSTANT LOSS OF LICENCE! It doesn't matter which two people either (could be driver + passenger, could be two passengers).

Stoney, you're in NSW so you should know better

Please refer to this RTA page on Seat Belt penalties.

As maca has stated, QLD is the same way. I would be surprised if other states aren't also the same.

[Manaz]

if you did get fined, your dealer would be responsible, i wouldn't worry about it.
call your dealer if it bothers you

You're responsible for ensuring the car is roadworthy once it's in your ownership. You'd not get very far using the dealership as the excuse.

Technically, a plate cover shouldn't be reflective as it may stop a safety camera (speed, red light, whatever) from getting a clear shot of your numberplate. There are (in theory) plate holders and even liquids that you apply to your regular plate holders that allow you to look at the plate normally, but reflect strong flashes of light, protecting you from cameras - but I've never actually seen if they work or not.

My guess is the cop's headlights flashed across your plate and he got a reflection he wasn't expecting. Safest thing to do would be to remove the plate cover.

Don't let it spoil your night - he was doing his job, and you didn't get fined. Some cops are not as nice as this one was, so it was really a good night for you.