A recent incident in Australia highlights the growing problem of drivers deliberately obscuring their vehicle number plates to evade tolls and traffic laws. In Sydney, a driver was caught using an illegal “Stealth Plate Curtain” to cover the license plate while passing through toll gates. This sneaky tactic, filmed by dashcam, has sparked warnings from authorities and raised concerns about the legal consequences of such actions.
Illegal Tactics to Evade Toll Payments
The driver was recorded on a busy Sydney toll road raising a black curtain automatically to hide their license plate, aiming to dodge the toll charges. Devices like this “Stealth Plate Curtain” are typically advertised online for car shows or photoshoots, but using them on public roads is illegal across Australia. The incident highlights how some motorists try to exploit technology to escape paying toll fees, which are an important source of revenue for maintaining road infrastructure.
Legal Penalties for Obscuring Plates
In New South Wales, the law is clear—number plates must be fully visible, securely attached, and legible from a distance of up to 20 meters within a 45-degree angle. Hiding or altering a plate can attract a fine of $562 and three demerit points. If the case proceeds to court, penalties can escalate to $2,200. Other states have similar or even harsher penalties; for instance, in Western Australia, deliberately obscuring a number plate can result in a $1,000 fine.
Safety and Enforcement Concerns
Authorities warn that obscuring number plates is not just about evading tolls but also about avoiding detection for various traffic infringements like speeding or red-light violations. Drivers using these devices challenge automated enforcement systems such as ANPR (Automatic Number Plate Recognition) cameras, undermining road safety enforcement and accountability. Law enforcement views this as a deliberate attempt to break the law and evade responsibility on the roads.
Wider Implications for Australian Drivers
On average, Australian drivers pay about $67.87 per week on toll roads, with annual costs often exceeding $3,500. While tolls can be seen as pricey, the fines for using these illegal devices are far more costly and can add legal complications. Authorities emphasize that over 99% of drivers comply with toll and road regulations, stressing that those who attempt to cheat the system face significant consequences.
Public Response and Official Statements
The dashcam footage of the incident was widely shared among road safety communities, sparking outrage and calls for stricter enforcement. Transport authorities and police have urged motorists to ensure their plates remain visible and compliant with legal standards. They remind drivers that such offenses impact road safety and the fair operation of toll systems used by the public.
What Drivers Should Know
Drivers should be aware that any form of obscuring, altering, or hiding the number plate is illegal and punishable under Australian laws. Using devices like remote-controlled shutters, films, or physical obstructions not only risks heavy fines but could also affect insurance claims or legal proceedings in case of accidents. Transparency and compliance are key to safe and lawful driving.
