New South Wales Consolidated Regulations

ROAD TRANSPORT (VEHICLE REGISTRATION) REGULATION 2017 - REG 25

25 Display of number-plates

(cf 2007 reg Sch 2 cl 61)

(1) The vehicle number-plate issued by Transport for NSW for a vehicle must be permanently affixed to the vehicle so that (assuming the vehicle to be on level ground)--

(a) the number-plate is at all times--

(i) in an upright position that is substantially parallel to the vehicle's axles, and

(ii) not more than 1.3 metres above ground level, and

(b) the number-plate is not obscured, defaced or otherwise illegible, and

(c) the numbers on the number-plate are clearly visible from any point that is--

(i) up to 20 metres from the number-plate, and

(ii) within an arc of 45 degrees from the surface of the number-plate above or to either side of the vehicle, as shown in figures 1 and 2 of Diagram 1 (in relation to heavy vehicles) and figures 1 and 2 of Diagram 2 (in relation to light vehicles), and

(d) any cover on the number-plate--

(i) is clear, clean, untinted and flat over its entire surface, and

(ii) has no reflective or other characteristics that would prevent the successful operation of a device approved for use under a law relating to the detection of traffic offences, and

(e) in the case of a motor vehicle other than a motor bike--1 number-plate is affixed to the front of the vehicle and another to its rear, and

(f) in the case of a motor bike or trailer--at least 1 number-plate is affixed to its rear, and

(g) in the case of a motor vehicle for which number-plates of different sizes are issued--the larger of the number-plates is affixed to the rear of the vehicle.

     

(2) Subclause (1)(a) does not apply to a vehicle number-plate of a registrable vehicle if--

(a) due to the construction of the vehicle it is not practicable to comply with that paragraph, and

(b) the number-plate is affixed in a manner that complies so far as practicable with that paragraph.

(3) Subclause (1)(b) does not apply to the rear vehicle number-plate of a registrable vehicle if--

(a) the rear number-plate of the registrable vehicle is obscured by a vehicle that is being towed by the registrable vehicle, and

(b) the towed vehicle displays a rear number-plate in accordance with subclause (1) or, when the towed vehicle is not required to display a rear number-plate, the registration number of the registrable vehicle is displayed at the rear of the towed vehicle in a manner that complies so far as is practicable with subclause (1).

(4) Subclause (1)(b) and (c) do not apply to the rear vehicle number-plate of a motor vehicle if an auxiliary number-plate issued for the motor vehicle is displayed, in accordance with clause 22(4), at the rear of the vehicle in a manner that complies (as far as is practicable) with subclause (1)(a)-(d).

(5) This clause does not apply to a tow truck that is towing a motor vehicle and displaying a number-plate issued under the Tow Truck Industry Act 1998 in accordance with the requirements imposed under that Act.

Note : If the number-plate of a tow truck is likely to be obscured by a motor vehicle that is to be towed by the tow truck, the Tow Truck Industry Regulation 2020 , clause 79 requires that the driver of the tow truck display the number-plate at the rear of the towed vehicle or in such other manner that the number-plate remains clearly visible.

(6) Transport for NSW may exempt any particular vehicle or class of vehicle from the requirements of this clause.

(7) An exemption may be granted subject to conditions.

(8) Transport for NSW may amend or revoke an exemption or a condition made or imposed in accordance with subclause (6) or (7).