18Loss or destruction of number plate

18 Loss or destruction of number plate (1) If a number plate has been lost or destroyed, the owner of the motor vehicle or trailer to which it was affixed must, within 14 days after the loss or destruction, forward to the Registrar a statutory declaration of the loss or destruction. (2) On payment by the owner of the prescribed fee, the Registrar must, if the motor vehicle or trailer has not also been lost or destroyed and the Registrar has no reason to believe that improper use has been or is being made of the number plate, issue to the owner: (a) if the plate was affixed to a motor vehicle, other than a motor cycle – 2 new number plates; or (b) otherwise – a new number plate. (3) On receipt of the new number plate or plates, the owner must immediately: (a) affix the plate or plates to the motor vehicle or trailer in accordance with section 16; and (b) return to the Registrar any number plate that was not lost or destroyed.