Crafty driver's DIY number plates land him in $1,800 worth of trouble

When police pulled over a white Daihatsu Terios in the small Victorian town of Heyfield this week, they were expecting a routine traffic stop. What they discovered instead was a masterclass in misguided creativity that's become part of a growing national trend costing Australian drivers thousands.

The driver, spotted 'loitering around a local business' 206 kilometres east of Melbourne, had taken a rather hands-on approach to his registration woes.

When officers approached the vehicle, they made quite a curious discovery—homemade number plates crafted from everyday household items.

Unfortunately for this amateur plate manufacturer, his creative endeavours didn't match the vehicle's identification number—likely because his registration had been suspended.

The discovery led to his car being impounded for 30 days at a cost of $950, and he now faces appearing in court for penalties that could reach $1,817.40.

A repeat offender with expensive habits

What made this case particularly concerning for police was the driver's familiarity with the impound process.

When informed his vehicle would be impounded due to his cancelled licence, he was allegedly well aware of the process, having had another vehicle impounded by police just a fortnight earlier.

This pattern suggests someone desperately trying to stay on the roads despite legal restrictions—a decision that's proving extremely costly both financially and legally.

The growing problem across Australia

Number plates are a prime target for thieves, with over 20,000 thefts reported in Victoria each year, making the Heyfield case part of a much larger trend.

Drivers across Australia are increasingly tampering with, stealing, or creating fake number plates in attempts to avoid detection by authorities.

The methods have become increasingly sophisticated. In Sydney, drivers have been caught using 'Stealth Plate Curtains' - illegal devices that automatically cover plates when passing under toll gates. In NSW, there is a fine of $464 and 3 demerit points for using a vehicle with defaced or obscured number plates.

Meanwhile, Western Australian drivers have been spotted with fake plates bearing messages like 'PRIVATE' - often associated with so-called 'sovereign citizen' movements who believe laws don't apply to them.

Why the hefty penalties exist

The serious penalties reflect the broader criminal activities often associated with stolen or fake plates. Stolen license plates are sometimes used in the commission of crimes, such as robberies, hit-and-runs, or other illegal activities. By securing plates with tamper-proof screws, the likelihood of such misuse is diminished.

In Victoria, fine amounts are correct as at 1 July 2025, with a breach of number plate regulations incurring a penalty of 10 penalty units.

As of July 1, 2025, one penalty unit is valued at $181.74, making the fine approximately $1,817.40. The offence also carries two demerit points.

Technology catching up with offenders

Authorities aren't sitting back waiting for more creative criminals. Victoria will ramp up traffic enforcement using advanced tools including: Real-time number plate recognition to catch unregistered or suspended drivers, mobile phone detection cameras already in operation across the state, and point-to-point average speed cameras on major highways.

Major General Saif Muhair Al Mazrouei warned would-be offenders that highly trained police use cutting-edge technology to spot plates that have been altered or obscured, insisting that anyone who believes they can get away with using such measures are mistaken—and this technology is being adopted globally, including in Australia.

The legitimate alternatives

For those wanting personalised plates without breaking the law, the car number plate NSW 1 set an Australian record for the most expensive number plate when it sold last year for AUD$12.4 million, while the rare two-digit numeric plates 10 and 98 went under the hammer this month, taking with them more than a century of heritage.

But you don't need millions to personalise your vehicle legally. All Australian states offer custom plate options at much more reasonable prices, allowing you to express personality without risking massive fines or legal trouble.

The bottom line

The Heyfield driver's arts and crafts project has likely cost him well over $2,000 when you factor in impound fees, fines, and legal costs—not to mention the inconvenience of being without a vehicle for 30 days. With legitimate registration costing a fraction of this amount, it's a costly lesson in why creative shortcuts rarely pay off.

For those genuinely struggling with registration costs, most states offer payment plans or concessions for eligible drivers. The key is dealing with authorities openly rather than trying to craft your way around the system.

Have you encountered unusual number plate tampering in your area, or do you have experience with the SafePL8 program? Share your thoughts and help other readers stay informed about protecting their vehicles.