Why do you need replacement number plates NSW? At some point, your current front or rear plate will wear out. It may suffer from damage, or you may lose it over time. Getting replacement number plates NSW is important for vehicle identification, law enforcement, revenue collection, and public safety.
This article will cover why you need replacement number plates NSW, how to get replacement number plates NSW, and the cost and processing time.
Replacement Number Plates NSW: Damaged, Worn, Lost, Stolen Plates
The Road Transport (Vehicle Registration) Regulation 2017 of NSW states that a unique registration number must be assigned to a vehicle by Transport for NSW upon registration of a registrable vehicle.
Section 28 of the Regulation says Transport for NSW can replace a number plate for an existing plate and you pay a fee.
Subdivision 5 of the Regulation outlines the rules and penalties for damaged, destroyed or missing number plates:
- Section 29 – To get replacement number plates under section 28 the owner of a damaged number plate must surrender it to Transport for NSW as soon as possible. If Transport for NSW agrees in a particular case the plate holder must surrender any other number plates with the same identifying number at the same time. Penalty: 20 penalty units (max).
- Section 30 – This section applies to lost, stolen, or destroyed number plates. The regulation says the plate holder must do the following as soon as practicable after they find out their number plate is lost, destroyed, or stolen:
- notify Transport for NSW in writing of the loss, theft, or destruction
- deliver to Transport for NSW any other number plate with the same number unless it too is lost, stolen, or destroyed.
TfNSW will require the plate holder to:
- provide evidence to support the loss, theft, or destruction of the number plates, vehicle registration plates, or personalised plates. If it’s stolen, report it to the NSW Police and get a COPS Event Number.
- provide a statement of facts
- pay the applicable fee for the replacement number plates NSW and get new plates.
But if the holder finds the lost or stolen number plate they must notify TfNSW immediately and deliver it to them. Any breach of this will incur 20 penalty units (max).
Replacement Number Plates NSW Importance
Why do you need to replace damaged, worn, lost, or stolen number plates? In NSW, there are certain number plate requirements that vehicle owners must comply with. Vehicles with incorrectly installed, obscured, defaced, or unreadable number plates are illegal for drivers and registered operators.
Note that the law also requires the visibility and lights of number plates at all times. Number plates must be permanently fixed to the car so they are parallel to the axles, upright, and no higher than 1.3 metres above the ground.
Also, they must be readable at all distances up to 20 metres from the plate and within a 45-degree arc from the plate’s surface above or to either side of the car. Vehicles must have at least one number plate light on the back.
When turned on, number plate lights on cars must emit white light onto the number plates so the numbers can be seen at night 20 metres behind the vehicle. Number plate lights must not obscure the numbers on the plates or shine white light at the back of cars.
When the car’s headlights, taillights, or parking lights are turned on the number plate lights must be wired to turn on and stay on.
Number Plates NSW Offences
Here are some demerit point offences for fines related to number plate violations:
| Offence | Penalty Notice Fines | Points | Double Demerits? |
| Use vehicle with unauthorised number plate (class A) | AUD 514 | 3 | No |
| Use vehicle displaying altered plate (class A) | AUD 514 | 3 | No |
| Use vehicle displaying misleading plate (class A) | AUD 514 | 3 | No |
| Use vehicle without correctly fixed/displayed number plate (class A) | AUD 514 | 3 | No |
| Use vehicle with obscured/defaced/illegible number plate (class A) | AUD 514 | 3 | No |
| Use vehicle with unauthorised number plate (class B or C) | AUD 772 | 3 | No |
| Use vehicle with illegal number plate (class B or C) | AUD 772 | 3 | No |
| Use vehicle without correctly fixed/displayed number plate (class B or C) | AUD 772 | 3 | No |
How to Replace NSW Number Plates?
Any person whose number plates are registered in their name can apply for replacement number plates NSW.
If the content and style of your current NSW-issued number plates are worn out or damaged you can replace them at a Service NSW Centre or through myPlates if they are in stock. You can also:
- restyle your licence plate (custom plate)
- order a new plate or custom plates
- change plates from special to standard plates (Buses have black on yellow plates)
- Move you new plate especially if a tow bar, bike rack, or mobility device rack obstructs its view.
For lost, stolen, or damaged number plates, you can’t get a replacement.
There are two ways for replacement number plates NSW:
- Online. For this option you will need:
- name and contact details
- driver licence number or customer number (if a business)
- number plate details
- old number plates
- payment (see rates here)
- Service Centre. Bring:
- completed form – ‘Number Plates and/or Cancellation of Registration’
- proof of identity
- old number plates
- payment for personal plates (including the annual reserve fee or pay the exchange plsu any relevant fees)
If your number plate is due for replacement do it now. Remember, driving with damaged or illegible plates can result in fines. By replacing them now, you can keep your car legal and have a safer driving experience for everyone.
Traffic Offence Lawyers at JB Solicitors.
If you’re having trouble with replacement number plates NSW, contact a traffic offence lawyer from JB Solicitors. Traffic offence lawyers can help you if you’re facing a big fine, licence suspension, or a complicated legal situation. Moreover, if it gets messy (e.g. alleged NSW number plate tampering, not using a yellow plate) we can represent you in court.
