road SAFETY

CHECK your state below

PLATE VISIBILITY

Generally, across Australia, number plates—whether standard or auxiliary—must be visible at a 45-degree angle to the left, right, and centre of the plate.

Please review each state's guidelines below to learn more about auxiliary number plates for your vehicle.

AUXILIARY PLATES

  • Western Australia

    It is the responsibility of the driver of a vehicle to ensure that the rear number plate issued for the vehicle is visible and legible. To assist the driver in this regard an auxiliary plate can be purchased.

    Learn more via link below:

    Source: Transport WA

  • Northern Territory

    Number plates must not be hidden by anything, such as a tow bar or anything being carried in or on the vehicle. You must either move the rear number plate to a position where it can be clearly seen or buy a bike rack number plate.

    Learn more via link below:

    Source: NT Government

  • Queensland

    You are required to display an accessory number plate if you have a vehicle accessory such as a bicycle rack on your vehicle that blocks the view of your number plate. An accessory number plate ensures your number plate complies with visibility requirements.

    Learn more via link below:

    Source: QLD Government

  • New South Wales

    If the rear number plate of your vehicle is obscured by a bike rack or mobility device rack, you'll need to fit an auxiliary number plate. This is a smaller copy of the vehicle number plate and allows the plate number to be seen clearly.

    Learn more via link below:

    Source: NSW Government

  • Victoria

    If a rack obscures your number plate, you must purchase an auxiliary number plate and equip it so that it is still visible from 20 metres.

    Learn more via link below:

    Source: VIC Roads

  • South Australia

    If the rear number plate of your vehicle is obscured, you’ll need to fit an auxiliary plate to ensure the bike rack plate can be seen clearly. This is a smaller copy of your existing SA issued number plate and will have black characters on a white reflective background.

    Learn more via link below:

    Source: SA Government

  • Tasmania

    If a rack obscures your number plate, you must purchase an auxiliary number plate and equip it so that it is still visible from 20 metres.

    Learn more via link below:

    Source: Transport TAS

* 60% of Wheelbase *

* 60% of Wheelbase *

Note: The diagram is not to scale.

Australian Design Rule 43/04 - Vehicle Configuration and Dimensions states that the “rear overhang of any motor vehicle [including any equipment attached to the vehicle] must not exceed 60% of the wheelbase, or 3.7 metres, whichever is lesser.

While we’ve tested Barry on multiple vehicles without exceeding the 60% of wheelbase rule, we advise that you still measure the length of your vehicle and equipment to ensure compliance with this rule.