Div 8Numbers and number plates

Division 8—Numbers and number plates 46—Allotment of number on registration (1) On registering a motor vehicle under this Act, the Registrar must allot a number to the vehicle. (2) The Registrar may, at any time, vary or amend the number allotted to a vehicle under subsection (1). 47—Duty to carry number plates (1) A person must not drive a motor vehicle, or cause a motor vehicle to stand, on a road unless a number plate or plates— (a) that conform to the specifications and design prescribed for number plates of a class established under section 47A; and (b) that bear the number allotted to the vehicle under this Act, are attached to the vehicle in accordance with the regulations. (1a) If a motor vehicle is driven, or caused to stand, on a road in contravention of subsection (1), the registered owner and the registered operator of the vehicle are each guilty of an offence. (1b) It is a defence to a charge of an offence against subsection (1a) to prove that, in consequence of some unlawful act, the vehicle was not in the possession or control of the defendant at the time it was driven or left standing on the road. (2) This section does not apply to— (a) a motor vehicle exempted from registration under this Act; or (b) a motor vehicle in relation to which a permit has been issued under this Act permitting the vehicle to be driven without registration; or (ba) a registered motor vehicle during the period from receipt by the Registrar of a duly made application for a number plate or plates for the vehicle and the end of the day following the day on which the number plate or plates are delivered to the applicant; or (c) a person who fails to comply with this section by reason of damage caused by a collision or other road accident where the person has had no reasonable opportunity to repair the damage. 47A—Classes of number plates and agreements for allotment of numbers (1) The Registrar may, by notice published in the Gazette, establish different classes of number plates and prescribe the specifications and design to which number plates of each class must conform. (2) The Registrar may, in a notice under subsection (1), declare that number plates of a particular class may not be attached to a motor vehicle except pursuant to an agreement under subsection (4). (3) The Registrar may, by notice published in the Gazette, vary or revoke a notice under this section. (4) The Registrar may enter into an agreement with a person providing for any of the following matters: (a) the right to be allotted a particular number in respect of a vehicle registered or to be registered in the person's name as an owner; (b) the right to attach number plates of a particular class to a vehicle registered or to be registered in the person's name as an owner; (c) the assignment of rights conferred under the agreement; (d) such other matters relating to registration numbers or number plates as the Registrar thinks fit. (5) An agreement may be made under subsection (4)— (a) upon payment to the Registrar of such fee as the Registrar may require; or (b) by the sale by public auction of rights of the kind referred to in that subsection. (6) This section does not affect the duty of the Registrar, in the absence of any agreement under subsection (4), to allot a number to a vehicle upon registering the vehicle. (7) A person must not drive a motor vehicle on a road, being a vehicle to which a number plate or plates of a class in respect of which a declaration has been made under subsection (2) are attached, unless a registered owner of the vehicle acquired the right to attach the number plate or plates to the vehicle pursuant to an agreement under subsection (4). 47B—Issue of number plates (1) The registered owner or the registered operator of a motor vehicle to which a number has been allotted under this Act may obtain a number plate bearing that number— (a) upon payment of the prescribed fee, from the Registrar; or (b) from a person approved by the Minister to sell or supply number plates. (2) No person other than a person approved by the Minister may sell or supply number plates of a kind required to be attached to motor vehicles under this Act. 47C—Return, recovery etc of number plates (1) The Registrar must, before cancelling the registration of a motor vehicle on application by the registered owner or the registered operator, be satisfied in respect of any number plates issued for the vehicle that— (a) the plates have been returned to the Registrar; or (b) the plates cannot be returned because they have been destroyed or stolen; or (c) there is a proper reason why the applicant should be allowed to retain the plates. (2) If the registration of a motor vehicle— (a) has expired; or (b) has become void or has been found to have been void; or (c) is cancelled otherwise than on application as referred to in subsection (1), the Registrar may, by notice given in a manner and form determined by the Minister to the owner of the vehicle or the person who is or was last registered as the owner or the operator of the vehicle, direct the person to either— (d) destroy the number plates; or (e) surrender the number plates to the Registrar; or (f) ensure that the number plates are securely stored so that they cannot be affixed to any motor vehicle that is driven, or allowed to stand on, a road, within the period specified in the notice. (3) A person must not fail, without reasonable excuse, to comply with a direction under subsection (2). (4) Subject to the regulations, if the registration of a motor vehicle— (a) has expired and has not been renewed within the period allowed for renewal; or (b) has become void or has been found to have been void; or (c) has been cancelled, the Registrar, a police officer or an authorised officer may seize any number plates (other than number plates of a prescribed kind) issued for the vehicle and, for the purpose of so doing, may, at any reasonable time, enter and remain on any land or premises. 47D—Offences in connection with number plates (1) A person must not— (a) drive on a road, or cause to stand on a road, a motor vehicle to which is attached a number plate that bears a number other than a number allotted to the vehicle; or (b) drive on a road, or cause to stand on a road, a motor vehicle to which is attached a number plate that has been altered, defaced, mutilated or added to; or (c) drive on a road, or cause to stand on a road, a motor vehicle to which is attached a colourable imitation of a number plate; or (d) without lawful excuse, have in the person's possession a number plate or an article resembling a number plate that is liable to be mistaken for a number plate. (2) If a motor vehicle is driven, or caused to stand, on a road in contravention of subsection (1)(a), (b) or (c), the registered owner and the registered operator of the vehicle are each guilty of an offence. (3) It is a defence to a charge of an offence against subsection (2) to prove that, in consequence of some unlawful act, the vehicle was not in the possession or control of the defendant at the time it was driven or left standing on the road.