How to protect your car's number plates
A number plate isn’t just a random combination of letters and numbers. It identifies a vehicle and links to its registered owner.
Plates are relied on to issue tolls and road safety camera fines and to identify vehicles involved in crime from fuel theft to major offences. When a number plate falls into the wrong hands, the consequences can be costly and difficult to undo.
Safeguarding your number plates both physically and online is important.
Here is the NRMA’s guide to protecting your plates – both in person and online.
Related: Do I need a number plate for my bicycle rack?
Securing your number plates
Replacing standard number plate screws with anti-theft screws is one of the simplest ways to secure your plates. These make plates harder to remove. They can be installed with a standard screwdriver but require a special tool to take off.
Some police stations or councils offer free fitting days or provide anti-theft screws at no cost, and they’re also available from most hardware stores.
Photo courtesy of NSW Police.
Where you park matters
Parking your car in a secure, well-lit area makes it easier to spot suspicious behaviour and can deter would-be thieves. Parking your vehicle in a locked garage or driveway is recommended where available. If parking on the street, opt for areas with good lighting and regular foot traffic, and avoid parking your car in the same spot for long periods of time.
Online safety
Take care when posting photos of your vehicle online. When posting photos on social media or car classifieds websites, always blur your number plate, even if the vehicle appears in the background. Criminals can use photos posted online to identify a matching make, model and colour, then steal or clone number plates for use in other crimes.
Selling your car
If you’re selling your vehicle, make sure all registration and ownership transfer steps are completed immediately after the sale. This helps ensure you’re no longer legally linked to the vehicle and reduces the risk of being wrongly charged for tolls, fines or offences committed by the new owner. Delays in completing the transfer can leave you responsible for costs you didn’t incur and can be time‑consuming to resolve later.
Regularly check toll notices
It’s also important to regularly check toll accounts, fine notices or any correspondence relating to your vehicle for unexpected charges. If you notice anything unusual, report discrepancies to the relevant authority or toll operator to help prevent further issues.
What to do if your number plates are stolen
If your number plates are stolen, report the theft to police immediately. A police report may help protect you if the plates are used in other offences. You may also need it before you can apply for replacement plates.
Photo courtesy of NSW Police.
Notify your toll road provider of the theft and update the number plate details on your account once you’ve received your new plates.
Acting quickly can help reduce the risk of financial loss and prevent ongoing issues linked to the stolen plates.
