Queensland’s new number plates

Queensland’s current number plate series, which features 3 numbers followed by 3 letters, is coming to an end after 40 years and the new series is expected to begin appearing on Queensland vehicles in either late August or early September 2020.

The new plates will continue to use maroon characters on a white background and the slogan, QUEENSLAND – SUNSHINE STATE, will also be retained.

The plates will feature 3 numbers followed by 2 letters and then a further number – so, for example, 523-NL7. As that series is used up, the number at the end will cascade back so that it appears between the letters (523-N7L) and, when that series is exhausted, the final number will move to the start of the last three characters (523-7NL).

The new series will provide Queensland with more than 16 million new combinations which should, dependent on the rate of new vehicle registrations, last us more than 25 years. Importantly, the new series can be made on existing machinery so there will be no increased cost to consumers.

The new plates will incorporate directional security marks which are invisible when viewed from directly in front but can be seen, both during the day and at night, when viewed from certain angles. These marks will assist in the detection of any fake number plates.