Aussie drivers are being reminded of a little-known road rule that could cost them a hefty fine and demerit points as wild weather sweeps across the country.
Heavy rain, thunderstorms and strong winds are forecast to hit every state and territory in the coming days.
And when that weather eases, drivers are urged to keep an eye on their number plate as the increased risk of mud and dust obscuring letters and numbers can attract fines worth hundreds, and in some cases thousands, of dollars.
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In the past, drivers have questioned how much leeway they should be given if bad weather makes their plates unreadable.
The issue was thrust into the spotlight after a photo emerged on Reddit of a dust-covered Kia Sportage completely obscuring its plate.
“I can absolutely see driving through a mud puddle or dirt road and not even realising this has happened,” one user wrote.
Another added, “I live in the country. Lots of cars here look like this almost permanently at this time of year.”
According to Astor Legal principal lawyer Avinash Singh, police take obscured number plates extremely seriously as some motorists deliberately cover them to avoid detection from toll cameras and police.
“There are widespread examples of people adding dirt to their number plates to avoid detection by cameras, tolls and police,” he said.
“Because of this, police are quick to charge people with obscuring number plates, even if there may be an innocent explanation.”
Last year a blue Lexus GS owner went viral after they were caught using a remote-controlled number plate curtain to avoid tolls.
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Footage shared by Dash Cam Owners Australia clearly showed the device concealing the plate as the driver went under a toll detection area. NSW police later confiscated the device and issued an infringement notice. The driver was hit with nine demerit point deduction and a heavy fine.
Drivers who fail to wash their cars properly could face similar penalties if obscured number plates or dirty windscreens pose a safety risk.
“If your car is merely dirty but not in a state where it poses a risk to the safety of yourself or other road users, then you cannot be charged with any offence,” Avinash said.
If a motorist gets slapped with an unfair fine, they can fight the penalty if they prove the mud or dirt build-up was beyond their control.
Using evidence such as Bureau of Meteorology weather data or dashcam footage to explain how the dirt accumulated strengthens a case.
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But to save the headache in the first place, Avinash recommends using “a number plate cover to assist with keeping their plates visible or stop at service stations to check the visibility of their plates and clean them if required.”
Here’s what the rules look like around the country.
Queensland
Drivers must ensure number plates are clearly legible from 20 metres away under Queensland road rules.
The standard fine for an obscured plate is $341, but penalties can climb as high as $6,452 if the matter goes to court.
Victoria
Victorian laws also require number plates to be clean, clear and visible from 20 metres away.
Drivers can be issued a $110 fine and three demerit points, with the maximum court-imposed penalty exceeding $2,000.
New South Wales
In NSW, it is also an offence to drive with a number plate that is obscured, defaced or illegible. Drivers also need to follow the same 20-metre rule.
Drivers can be fined $464 and hit with three demerit points. Court penalties can reach up to $2,200.
Western Australia
WA drivers are told to keep their number plates fixed and in a conspicuous place that is clearly visible during both day and night.
The maximum penalty for a first offence is $100.
South Australia
South Australian drivers must keep plates clean, visible and legible from 18 metres away.
The usual fine for driving with obscured number plates is $550 plus a $99 Victims of Crime Levy, totalling $649.
