THIS next-gen number plates could keep you safe in an accident
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Aussie drivers are about to see a change on their number plates that could save lives in the event of a crash.
The update targets electric and hybrid vehicles, but it could affect the way every motorist interacts with emergency services.
Experts say this small tweak may make a big difference when seconds count.
New South Wales is introducing a ‘next generation’ number plate for its 367,000 electric vehicle (EV) owners, which will identify cars as electric or hybrid.
Transport for NSW has said the change will improve safety by allowing first responders to immediately recognise a vehicle’s power source.
This is crucial in accidents, as EVs can present hazards such as high-voltage systems, unexpected movement, and, in rare cases, battery fires.
EV owners previously displayed a blue and white sticker on their plates to indicate the vehicle’s fuel type.
The new plates, however, will have ‘Australia-first integrated fuel identifiers’ pressed into the surface, rather than relying on adhesive labels.
A Transport for NSW spokesperson told Yahoo News it was ‘taking action to support the adoption and uptake of electric vehicles across NSW and the introduction of safety label plates is designed to improve safety for emergency services and provide a better customer experience.’
Transport for NSW Executive Director of Road Safety Regulation Duncan Lucas said the updated plates would improve safety for both motorists and first responders.
‘Electric vehicles are the fastest growing market in the Australian automotive industry, with 367,000 electric and hybrid vehicles registered in NSW,’ Lucas said in a statement.
‘NSW is the first state in Australia to introduce a safety label plate, which will help emergency services quickly identify an alternative fuel vehicle in a crash or fire.’
Unlike adhesive labels, the new safety label is pressed into the plate like the numbers and letters, ‘making it more durable and allowing the fuel type to be identified by its unique shape,’ Lucas added.
The built-in identifier also ensures correct placement on the plate, reducing maintenance for owners and improving long-term compliance.
‘Pressing a fuel identifier into a vehicle’s number plate is only a small change, but it will make a big difference to motorists and emergency crews,’ Lucas said.
Fire and Rescue NSW Inspector Daniel O’Dea explained that EVs present distinct risks in accidents, making it vital for firefighters and emergency crews to identify the power source quickly.
He said the addition of a fuel-type identifier on number plates gives responders immediate confirmation they are dealing with an EV, allowing them to adapt their approach to keep both themselves and occupants safe.
A comment has been sought from TfNSW regarding the rollout and how owners will obtain their new plates, which are understood to come at no extra cost to the vehicle owner.
If you’re thinking about updating your EV number plates, it’s also important to know the rules that could cost you money if overlooked.
A recent example shows how a small detail on your plate can attract a hefty fine, highlighting why compliance matters.
For a closer look at what to watch out for, this story breaks down the critical plate detail and its consequences.
Read more: Avoid hefty fines as an EV driver! Are you aware of this critical number plate detail that could cost you $257?
Could a small change to your number plate one day make the difference between life and death in an accident?
The update targets electric and hybrid vehicles, but it could affect the way every motorist interacts with emergency services.
Experts say this small tweak may make a big difference when seconds count.
New South Wales is introducing a ‘next generation’ number plate for its 367,000 electric vehicle (EV) owners, which will identify cars as electric or hybrid.
Transport for NSW has said the change will improve safety by allowing first responders to immediately recognise a vehicle’s power source.
This is crucial in accidents, as EVs can present hazards such as high-voltage systems, unexpected movement, and, in rare cases, battery fires.
NSW unveils new number plates for EVs. Image source: NSW government
EV owners previously displayed a blue and white sticker on their plates to indicate the vehicle’s fuel type.
The new plates, however, will have ‘Australia-first integrated fuel identifiers’ pressed into the surface, rather than relying on adhesive labels.
A Transport for NSW spokesperson told Yahoo News it was ‘taking action to support the adoption and uptake of electric vehicles across NSW and the introduction of safety label plates is designed to improve safety for emergency services and provide a better customer experience.’
Transport for NSW Executive Director of Road Safety Regulation Duncan Lucas said the updated plates would improve safety for both motorists and first responders.
‘Electric vehicles are the fastest growing market in the Australian automotive industry, with 367,000 electric and hybrid vehicles registered in NSW,’ Lucas said in a statement.
‘NSW is the first state in Australia to introduce a safety label plate, which will help emergency services quickly identify an alternative fuel vehicle in a crash or fire.’
Unlike adhesive labels, the new safety label is pressed into the plate like the numbers and letters, ‘making it more durable and allowing the fuel type to be identified by its unique shape,’ Lucas added.
The built-in identifier also ensures correct placement on the plate, reducing maintenance for owners and improving long-term compliance.
‘Pressing a fuel identifier into a vehicle’s number plate is only a small change, but it will make a big difference to motorists and emergency crews,’ Lucas said.
Fire and Rescue NSW Inspector Daniel O’Dea explained that EVs present distinct risks in accidents, making it vital for firefighters and emergency crews to identify the power source quickly.
He said the addition of a fuel-type identifier on number plates gives responders immediate confirmation they are dealing with an EV, allowing them to adapt their approach to keep both themselves and occupants safe.
A comment has been sought from TfNSW regarding the rollout and how owners will obtain their new plates, which are understood to come at no extra cost to the vehicle owner.
If you’re thinking about updating your EV number plates, it’s also important to know the rules that could cost you money if overlooked.
A recent example shows how a small detail on your plate can attract a hefty fine, highlighting why compliance matters.
For a closer look at what to watch out for, this story breaks down the critical plate detail and its consequences.
Read more: Avoid hefty fines as an EV driver! Are you aware of this critical number plate detail that could cost you $257?
Could a small change to your number plate one day make the difference between life and death in an accident?
