Custom Number Plates Rights

7 June 2024

The Department for Infrastructure and Transport is aware that Custom Plates are being auctioned or sold to members of the public by private sellers. Buyers should be aware that Custom Plate agreements do not entitle the agreement holder to any long-term rights to have a particular number allotted to their vehicle. Custom plate agreements may be terminated by the Registrar of Motor Vehicles at any time in their sole discretion. Upon termination, the holder will no longer have the rights to that specific number or plate.

Number plates which include Class Specific Rights are the only number plate with long-term rights to a specific number.

Buyers are encouraged to undertake all necessary due diligence prior to purchasing any number plate rights from private sellers and to ensure that they understand the type of plate being purchased, the nature of the rights which attach to that plate and the conditions on which they are purchasing those rights.

Buyers are also reminded that it is an offence to drive a motor vehicle to which a custom plate is attached on a road, unless the registered owner of that vehicle has acquired the right to attach the custom number plate or plates to the vehicle pursuant to an agreement with the Registrar of Motor Vehicles under section 47A(4) of the Motor Vehicles Act 1959.

The Registrar of Motor Vehicles and the State of South Australia disclaim all liability for any loss or damage incurred by persons who have purchased custom plates at auction or private sale.

For further information, including in relation to agreements that need to be executed for the use of custom number plates, please contact DIT.PlateEnquiries@sa.gov.au.