In regions like Queensland and New South Wales, driving in wet weather can lead to significant financial consequences if your vehicle gets excessively muddy, according to lawyer Avinash Singh from Astor Legal. While safety during rainy conditions is crucial, drivers should also be aware of legal implications associated with obscured licence plates. Both states mandate that licence plates must remain clearly visible from a distance of up to 20 metres.
Singh highlighted a worrying trend where some drivers deliberately dirty their plates to evade detection by toll cameras and law enforcement. This practice has resulted in police promptly issuing charges against offenders, even if mud on the plates was unintended. In Queensland, a driver caught with obscured licence plates faces a fine starting at $341, which can escalate to $6452 if contested in court. New South Wales implements an initial penalty of $464 and three demerit points, which could rise to $2200 if challenged unsuccessfully.
Moreover, both states enforce laws against having an obstructed view from the vehicle. For example, a dirty rear-view window can attract penalties, with fines ranging from $274 in Queensland to $116 in New South Wales, and escalating much higher with potential court challenges.
To mitigate the risk of these fines, Singh recommends using a number plate cover to keep plates visible and stopping at service stations to check and clean the plates if they become dirty. It’s important to note that while a very dirty car may draw attention, fines apply only if the plates or driver’s view are impaired. Thus, maintaining clean, unobscured plates while driving in inclement weather is essential to avoid legal troubles.