Are you risking a $2,500 fine? The illegal detail most Australians miss

If you’ve ever thought about jazzing up your car’s number plates or have spotted some unusual ones on the road, you might want to think twice before following suit. 

Across Australia, authorities are cracking down on illegal number plates, and the penalties are nothing to sneeze at—with fines reaching up to $2,500 for offenders. But what’s behind this surge in dodgy plates, and why are some Aussies still willing to risk it all for a bit of rebellious flair? 

Let’s take a closer look at what’s happening on our roads, the curious case of the ‘sovereign citizen’ movement, and why that quirky plate could end up costing you far more than you bargained for.

The rise of rogue number plates

It all started with a simple question from a Perth local who posted a photo online of two cars sporting plates beginning with ‘PC LS’—a combination that didn’t match any official records. 

‘I’ve never seen plates like this and can’t find any info online. I feel like they must be fake,’ the poster wrote. 

The online community quickly chimed in, suggesting these plates were likely the handiwork of so-called ‘sovereign citizens’—a fringe group who believe they’re not subject to government laws, including those governing vehicle registration.

WA Police confirmed the suspicion, stating that both vehicles appeared to be fitted with false licence plates. 

The consequences? A maximum penalty of $2,500 for the offence, with the possibility of an additional $500 fine (plus six months of the half-yearly licence fee) if the car’s registration isn’t up to date.

Who are the ‘sovereign citizens’?

If you haven’t heard of them before, ‘sovereign citizens’ are a loosely organised group of individuals who reject the authority of government institutions. 

They often create their own documents, including driver’s licences and number plates, in an attempt to sidestep official systems. 

Plates might be emblazoned with words like ‘Private,’ or reference fictitious republics and tribal nations. 

In one recent case, a Holden was spotted with a plate reading: ‘Private Property Non-Commercial, Living Woman, Terra Australia Incognito,’ along with a bogus warning that removing the plate would incur a $50,000 fine.

While it might sound like something out of a conspiracy novel, the movement has real-world consequences. 

Not only do these drivers risk hefty fines, but they also put themselves and others in danger. Without proper registration, vehicles aren’t covered by compulsory third-party insurance—meaning if there’s an accident, victims could be left without compensation.

The real risks: More than just a fine

It’s not just about the money. As one online commenter pointed out, ‘The biggest issue is if they are involved in an accident causing personal injury. More than half of our registration fees are for third-party insurance. If one of these idiots hits someone, that person isn’t covered.’ 

In other words, driving with fake plates isn’t just a rebellious act—it’s a potential disaster for anyone unlucky enough to be involved in a crash with one of these vehicles.

And it’s not just a local issue. The ‘sovereign citizen’ movement has its roots in the US, where it’s been linked to violent confrontations with police. In 2010, a father-son duo murdered two police officers after being pulled over for a traffic stop. 

Here in Australia, there have been incidents where police have had to forcibly remove drivers from their vehicles after they refused to comply with lawful orders, claiming they weren’t subject to Australian law.

Why is this happening now?

According to Dr Ben Rich, co-director of Curtin University’s Extremism Research Network, the movement has gained momentum in recent years, fuelled in part by the spread of extremist American ideas and the upheaval of the COVID-19 pandemic. 

‘The Covid-19 lockdowns were a real catalyst for Sov-Cit political mobilisation in Australia, and we saw many of them turning out in anti-lockdown and anti-government protests in unprecedented numbers with their distinctive iconography,’ Dr Rich explained.

What does this mean for everyday drivers?

For most of us, the idea of making our own number plates probably sounds a bit far-fetched. But it’s a timely reminder that even small modifications to your car’s plates—whether it’s a cheeky sticker, a homemade plate, or a novelty design—can land you in hot water. 

The rules are clear: number plates must be issued by your state or territory’s transport authority, and any deviation can result in serious penalties.

How to stay on the right side of the law

• Always use official, government-issued number plates.
• Don’t alter, cover, or decorate your plates in any way.
• If your plates are damaged or hard to read, apply for replacements through your local transport authority.
• If you spot a suspicious or unusual plate, report it to the police—you could be helping to prevent a bigger problem.

Have you ever spotted a dodgy number plate, or had a run-in with a ‘sovereign citizen’ on the road? Do you think the penalties are fair, or should authorities go even harder on offenders? Share your thoughts and stories in the comments below—we’d love to hear from you!

And remember, when it comes to number plates, it’s best to play it safe. That quirky plate might look cool, but it’s not worth a $2,500 fine—or the risk to yourself and others. Safe driving!

Also read: Australians brace as speeding fines are about to get a massive overhaul