Where do you stick your Ps?
The process of learning to drive and acquiring your provisional licence in Australia has changed a lot over the years.
The cars are different, and with it the technology and safety features inside them. What has also changed is the licensing process: gone are the days where you simply went to your local police station and performed a quick 'lap of the block'. Now, licence holders are made to undertake minimum hours in a range of conditions before finally sitting their physical test.
With that said, one thing that hasn't changed in Australia are the P plates themselves.
It's not uncommon for new drivers to start their day with two P plates correctly fixed to their vehicle - beside their number plates - only to lose one or have it taken or broken before the end of the day.
Here's the NRMA's guide to properly displaying your P1 and P2 plates in Australia.
What is the best way to display P plates on a car?
There are different ways to legally and securely display your P plates, though some of the more common options can cause damage to the paint on your car or aren’t even possible with the shape or materials of some vehicles.
The magnetic option – which can be like rubbing two squares of your paint with sandpaper if it is dirty – is one clear solution, but might not work if your car features a plastic bumper around the number plate.
Another option is to attach a bracket holder to display your P plate. However, with the shape of some cars and more modern number plates, it can be difficult to attach a bracket holder without it chipping away at your paint with every bump. This might explain why some provisional drivers place their Ps in somewhat obscure positions.
Transport for NSW regulations state: “For P signs on cars, Clause 21 of the regulation states P plates must be clearly visible and not obscured when viewed from ahead of or behind the vehicle. Signs must be on the exterior of the vehicle in a visible position at the front and the rear of the vehicle.”
To be sure, if you are towing a trailer, an additional P plate must be displayed on the back of the trailer.
We sent Transport for NSW images and received the following advice:
Tucked: “Illegal as all the P plate is not on display.”
Bonnet: “This sign is okay as it clearly displays the P sign on the front of the vehicle.”
Bracket: “All the P plate isn't displaying. The guidelines say the sign must be a red or green P on a white sign.”
Spoiler: “P sign could possibly be placed further down.”
Magnetic in bracket: "Ideal."
Obscured: "This P sign is not displayed clearly and does not comply with clause 21 of the Road Transport Driver Licencing regulations 2008.”
The fine itself is $330 and two demerit points and with even a low-level speeding fine, this could result in a loss of licence.
It’s a big price to pay for being careless about P plate placement.
Are you allowed to decorate your P plates?
Decorating or 'bedazzling' your P plates has become the new trend in Australia - however it also carries the risk of a fine and demerit points.
Amid the excitement of getting their licence, some provisional drivers have taken to decorating their newly minted P plates with rhinestones and other shiny embellishments to celebrate the occasion.
However, the same $330 fine and two demerit points apply.
“Altering plates, such as by bedazzlement, means the plates may no longer comply with the regulation and therefore should not be used,” a Transport NSW spokesperson confirmed.
