New Vehicle Registration Plates

[KWS]

Two weeks ago I took delivery of a new Mk7 GTI. I signed the “standard” contract that included a $99 fee for special white plates. This is usual practice and was the case with the last new vehicle I bought.

The Dealer, without discussion or permission by me, fitted new plates to the vehicle which includes his trading name as part of the plate artwork, not the usual plastic plate covering which also includes the Dealer details and can later be taken off and disposed of. I discussed having the plate replaced with one that did not include advertising. This was agreed without any fuss.

To have full disclosure by the Dealer at the point of sale allowing a buyer to opt in/out, would be acceptable in my opinion.

I contacted RMS (formerly RTA) who referred my question to myplates. Neither were interested, saying it is the responsibility of the Dealer to disclose his intention.

What are Member’s thoughts/opinions on this practice, has it happened to you ?

[harlie]

Hang on. The dealers logo ect is on the actual number plate? Like you would have the logo of a company on a company car?

Thats so wrong, who would want to drive around looking like a dealer owned courtesy car or demonstrator. Its bad enough they put their sticker on the rear screen, that comes off as soon as the car gets home as well as the plate surounds.

[KWS]

My point exactly, like ah yes Sir, here's your new car and we knew you wouldn't mind us putting our company advertising on your shiny new plates, doesn't it look lovely? There should be a law against it but apparently not. More insulting was the response from myplates who became all excited when I suggested that if a Dealer could have their details permanently attached to my plate, why shouldn't anybody be able to put whatever advertising they want on their plate. Maaaaate, what a money spinner for them, they actually thought I was serious.

[wai]

Looks like governments will do ANYTHING to get that little extra out of plates.

It's a wonder that VW (and the other manufacturers) haven't got their logo as part of the plates.

[tonymy01]

I am noticing heaps of these dealer advert plates now. They have to make the normal lettering a little smaller to fit and they look terrible. I would be mighty peed off if they put those things on mine, however I have had personal plates since my 21st birthday many years ago (that don't attract an annual fee), so swap out the plates when buying a car anyway.

[rodders]

That must be a NSW thing. Just looked up on the web and saw an article with a car salesman bloke saying how great they are and the customers love them. Seriously?

I'd be mighty p1ssed if that happened to me.

[wai]

The car dealers have gotten to the government and convinced them that this is a good idea. No doubt there has been some "licence fee" involved.

You see, the dealer stickers they put on the rear screens of cars eventually wear out and can be removed by the owner. Having something that is part of the number plate means it can never be removed, so more advertising.

I suppose vehicle owners could send the dealers an invoice for advertising. Then keep sending them a monthly invoice for as long as it takes them to issue you with plates without the advertising. After all, if you had advertising on the side of your car, you would be charging a monthly fee for it.

[JustCruisn]

I tell garages & tire shops etc that when they put a sticker on my window they have to pay a weekly advertising fee. Its only a $150 a week, and extra if they want me to keep it clean. They get the picture and have the apprentice remove it a flash.

[wai]

When I went to the myplates.com.au, I was surprised to see that some of the plates are now made from acrylic.

I used to work at the old Department of Motor Transport a few decades ago, and the reason number plates were pressed metal was so that in the event of a fiery demise, they would be able to track down the registered owner.

Ah well, times change.

[brad]

They've been plastic for years Wai. Sux.

Dealer advertising of any description on my car annoys the daylights out of me. Removal is the first "mod" I make.

Has anyone noticed the black plates with dark red writing? Almost unreadable. Must get some

[tonymy01]

And dark blue writing. Was considering those for my RB R, but got Euro style instead. But even though a human can't read them, take a photo with your LED flash phone and look what happens...writing bit non reflective, so looks black, the black background extremely reflective, so looks white! I am sure would be the same for IR lighting with speed cameras, police plate readers etc.

[wai]

THas anyone noticed the black plates with dark red writing? Almost unreadable. Must get some

Yep, as are the black background and light gold lettering. I contacted the RMS about it and received a reply saying that their tests showed it to be OK! Basically, you cannot identify a vehicle involved in a hit-run.

Apparently there are many speed camera photographs that have to be discarded because they cannot be read.

[tonymy01]

That is strange? They are very readable with LED or IR light source (and probably xenon flash), which is what I thought all speed cameras used.