140Surrogate vehicle identifiers and vehicle plates

140 Surrogate vehicle identifiers and vehicle plates

(1)  In this regulation –

surrogate vehicle identifier means a number allocated to a vehicle under this regulation, or a corresponding law, in place of the VIN, engine number or chassis number for the vehicle.

vehicle plate means a plate, that is capable of being fitted or affixed to a vehicle, that is –

(a) issued in relation to a vehicle under this regulation; or

(b) issued or approved, in relation to a vehicle, in accordance with a corresponding law.

(2)  If the Registrar is satisfied that the vehicle identifier of a vehicle is no longer a suitable means of identifying the vehicle, the Registrar may –

(a) allocate a surrogate vehicle identifier in respect of the vehicle; and

(b) issue a vehicle plate in respect of the vehicle, that bears the surrogate vehicle identifier so issued.

(3)  If the Registrar issues a vehicle plate in respect of a vehicle under subregulation (2)(b) , the owner, or registered operator, of the vehicle must ensure that the vehicle plate is affixed to the vehicle as specified by the Registrar.

(4)  A person must not, without the Registrar’s approval –

(a) alter, or deface, a vehicle plate fitted or affixed to a vehicle; or

(b) remove a vehicle plate fitted or affixed to a vehicle.

Penalty:  Fine not exceeding 10 penalty units.