Sprayed 'invisible' number plates

[Molotov]

I've noticed a massive rise in the number of cars in Sydney that have clearly used some sort of spray or coating on their number plate to obscure it at certains angles/distances and in certain lights.

I know it's been around for a while but I didn't think it'd take off here because I thought it would be classified as 'obscuring or tampering with a number plate' which is an offense. If I was a cop I'd be having a field day at night.

Has anyone else noticed an increase in this and/or heard of anyone getting fined?

[djorkboy]

It is definitely illegal and a relative of mine who is a highway patrol officer told me anyone he pulls over who has their plates sprayed or obscured like this gets a complimentary check of every aspect of their car's legality to go with the automatic defect and fine.

[rayray086]

I thought it was a feature of some of the prestige plates cos I only ever see that "weird light reflection on certain angles" effect on those kinda plates (custom colours, personalised).

Definitely not worth being caught for it.

[Corey_R]

I've noticed this thing too.... like you drive up to a car and the plate looks all grey, and then it turns out to be a black plate with white lettering etc.
I too thought they must have been doing something to the plates.... but then I followed my R and realised that it does it too, and I know I haven't done anything to those plates, cause it's my car, lol.

I can only assume that it is as rayray has said, just the new coating/finish on the prestige plates such as the custom colour and Euro plates. *shrugs*

[Molotov]

but then I followed my R and realised that it does it too, and I know I haven't done anything to those plates, cause it's my car, lol.

Save it for the judge Corey! haha

You guys might be right because I've only noticed it on premium plates as well. I'm surprised it made it past the censors if they are legitimate/untampered plates.

[djorkboy]

There is definitely a known issue with some NSW plates, not sure if they have addressed it yet Plates not caught in headlights | thetelegraph.com.au

[bigfoot]

would it have anything to do with the type lights (i.e. xenon) shining on the plate rather than the plate themselves?

as an aside i find oncoming traffic with xenonx very annoying and obscure your view ahead

[ralp2dam]

There is definitely a known issue with some NSW plates, not sure if they have addressed it yet Plates not caught in headlights | thetelegraph.com.au

Good link mate. I remember reading it. Buggers me how you found it.

My question is if these RTA issued plates have this problem, what are they going to do with these plates that are allegedly disagreeing before police eyes already out there?

[Corey_R]

There is definitely a known issue with some NSW plates, not sure if they have addressed it yet Plates not caught in headlights | thetelegraph.com.au

Great link there. Thanks!

would it have anything to do with the type lights (i.e. xenon) shining on the plate rather than the plate themselves?

This is a good question, because I drive a car with Xenon and the car I was in had Xenon lights. I can't quite remember whether I had the issue with my 9N3 Polo GTI. I might have to take another car out for a drive and take notice of this

[djorkboy]

...as an aside i find oncoming traffic with xenonx very annoying and obscure your view ahead

My first thought was that people with xenon headlights should be summarily shot but that might be a bit harsh seeing as many cars come with them already fitted. But if they have retrofitted xenon bulbs in headlights with regular reflectors then shooting is too good for them, they should have their still beating heart ripped from their chest and shown to them as they die

[Molotov]

Good link mate. I remember reading it. Buggers me how you found it.

My question is if these RTA issued plates have this problem, what are they going to do with these plates that are allegedly disagreeing before police eyes already out there?

Great link.

It doesn't matter if they're HID's or not. I've noticed the same thing driving three different cars. Two with normal lights and one with Xenons.

[rayray086]

My question is if these RTA issued plates have this problem, what are they going to do with these plates that are allegedly disagreeing before police eyes already out there?

Keep revenue raising until someone pipes up.

[McDub]

i've noticed this many times. it def hapenned once on a number plate with a multicoloured background, but it also happened on a black plate with white lettering i think. when the car was a certain distance (therefore angle) from my car, the black would turn white, and the white would turn black. somewhere in between it was completely invisible. some advice, when this happens, turn your high beams on and the plates become visible again! (don't ask me how i know )