Getting your licence is an exciting time for Australian teenagers, but there sure is a lot to remember when jumping behind the wheel.
Slapping on some L or P-plates is one of the things to remember, and forgetting to put them on can result in significant fines and even a licence suspension for some drivers.
But there is a real problem of accidental littering from these little plastic placards, which the motoring authority, Transport for NSW, pointed out.
In a recent post it said “Over a six-month period, 111 L and P-plates were found over a 1km stretch of Samantha Riley Drive in Kellyville... and there's likely many more across the state”.
These plastic L and P-plates can be found for free at any ServiceNSW location across the state, but have long caused issues, with many opting to simply shove them under the licence plate and continue on their way.
But even with magnetic options and clips, they tend to vibrate loose over time and come off the car. However, there is an obvious solution that is illegal in some states.
Is it legal to have my P-plates mounted in my front and rear windshields?
Mounting the L and P-plates on the inside of your vehicle seems like the easiest way to ensure they don’t come off while driving, and if they do, they won’t end up in a landfill.
New South Wales is the only state where it is specified that you have to mount your L and P-plates on the outside of the vehicle, while all other states allow them to be mounted in the car as long as they are visible.
ServiceNSW states: “When driving, learners must display L-plates clearly on the front and back of the car. The plates must be on the outside, or there must be an L sign on the roof. The letter L on the plate must not be hidden. So your plates do not fall off, secure them with a clip or holder.”
Not following these rules could actually land you a fine that could spell a three-month suspension for learner and provisional one drivers.
As for other states:
As is the case with most road rules around mounting objects on your vehicle, a lot is left up to the discretion of the officer pulling you over. If you can’t see them properly, then you’ll likely get a fine.
What is the fine for not affixing P-plates?
There are some hefty fines for not affixing P-plates, with some states suspending the licence of those who don’t follow the rules. Unfortunately, “they just fell off” is not a valid excuse, as it is the vehicle operator's responsibility to ensure that they are affixed.
It is the same fine for not having them clearly visible, too, which means tinted windows, snapped P-plates, and plates shoved too far under your licence plates.
New South Wales: $330 and two demerits per P-plate missing (which will hit your demerit limit for L and red P-platers if you are missing both the front and rear, three-month suspension).
Victoria: $203.51 and three demerit points for provisional drivers, one for learners.
Queensland: $267 and two demerit points.
South Australia: It’s a $256 fine if you only have one P-plate on the car; the fine is upgraded to $441 and two demerits if you are missing both the front and rear.
Western Australia: $100 fine (demerit points not specified).
Northern Territory: $100 fine and two demerit points.
Tasmania: Fine exceeding $100 and two demerit points.
Australian Capital Territory: Fine exceeding $272 and two demerit points.
Zane Dobie comes from a background of motorcycle journalism, working for notable titles such as Australian Motorcycle News Magazine, Just Bikes and BikeReview. Despite his fresh age, Zane brings a lifetime of racing and hands-on experience. His passion now resides on four wheels as an avid car collector, restorer, drift car pilot and weekend go-kart racer.
