banned number plates australia

Australian road authorities ban personalised plates that are offensive, misleading, or look like official markings, and each state keeps a similar—but not identical—rulebook. Expect refusals for profanity, sexual references, violence, hate speech or symbols, drugs and crime, or anything promoting illegal behaviour.

Plates that could impersonate police/ambulance/fire services, imply government status, or confuse cameras and humans (think “O0O0”, “1I1I”, or “NO PL8S”) are also likely to be knocked back. Even previously issued combos can be cancelled if they breach policy, and refunds usually cover the plate fee, not your wounded pride. If you’re unsure, state plate search tools will auto-reject risky strings before you pay. Bottom line: be clever, not crass—you’ll get the plate faster and avoid a stern letter.