After regulation 63 of the Principal Regulations , the following regulation is inserted in Division 2:

63A.     Registrar may require return of number plates

(1)  This regulation applies if the Registrar –

(a) considers that the registration number on a number plate –

(i) may be mistaken for another registration number; or

(ii) is offensive; or

(iii) is otherwise inappropriate for display; or

(iv) is prohibited under any Act; or

(b) changes the specifications to which a number plate for a vehicle is manufactured; or

(c) believes that a number plate –

(i) has been issued in error; or

(ii) has not been lawfully acquired, or was acquired by fraud, misrepresentation or other dishonest means.

(2)  The Registrar, by written notice to the holder of a number plate, may require the holder of the number plate to return to the Registrar the number plate specified in the notice.

(3)  A notice under subregulation (2) is to state –

(a) the registration number of the number plate to be returned; and

(b) the Registrar's reason for requiring the number plate to be returned; and

(c) the day on which the number plate ceases to be a valid number plate; and

(d) the period during which the number plate must be returned; and

(e) whether the Registrar intends –

(i) to exchange the number plate for another number plate; or

(ii) to refund any fee paid for the issue of the number plate to the holder of the number plate rather than replacing the number plate in any way; or

(iii) to negotiate an agreement with the holder of the number plate as to whether the number plate is to be exchanged, or the fee refunded, or such other compensation as may be agreed by the parties.

(4)  The holder of a number plate who is given notice by the Registrar under subregulation (2) must return the number plate specified in that notice to the Registrar within the period specified in the notice.

Penalty:  Fine not exceeding 20 penalty units.

(5)  The holder of a number plate is not required to return a number plate under subregulation (4) if, within the period specified in the notice under subregulation (2) , the person produces evidence to the Registrar's satisfaction that the number plate has been lost, stolen or destroyed.

(6)  If a personalised number plate is required to be returned under subregulation (2) , the rights to the specific registration number on that number plate are terminated –

(a) on the date specified in the notice under subregulation (2) ; or

(b) if no date is specified in the notice under subregulation (2) , on the return of that number plate.