Thread: Front number plate position NSW

Speak to a local automotive engineer. That would probably be the best course of action, then, it will be up to the discretion of the person (officer, RTA inspector etc) who has you pulled up.

First sentence of VSI58 says that it is "intended to provide advice on the requirements (of the regulation)". So basically, its the document by which the regulation is packaged as an easily digestible fact sheet for what is possible, and what isn't... but still open to interpretation as per the regulation.

There would also likely be more info in the regulation itself. You can find this on austlii.

Looking at the regulation (applicable points in BOLD):

61 Number-plates

(1) In this clause:

"number" includes a letter of the alphabet.

"vehicle number-plate" means a number-plate other than an auxiliary number-plate.

(2) The vehicle number-plate issued by the Authority for a vehicle must be permanently affixed to the vehicle so that (assuming the vehicle to be on level ground):

(a) the number-plate is at all times:

(i) in an upright position that is substantially parallel to the vehicle's axles, and

(ii) not more than 1.3 metres above ground level, and

(b) the number-plate is not obscured, defaced or otherwise not legible, and

(c) the numbers on the number-plate are clearly visible from a distance of 20 metres at any point within an arc of 45 degrees from the surface of the number-plate above or to either side of the vehicle, as shown in figures 1 and 2 of diagram 1 (in relation to heavy vehicles) and figures 1 and 2 of diagram 2 (in relation to light vehicles), and

(d) any cover on the number-plate:

(i) is clear, clean, untinted and flat over its entire surface, and

(ii) has no reflective or other characteristics that would prevent the successful operation of a device approved for use under a law relating to the detection of traffic offences, and

(e) in the case of a motor vehicle other than a motor bike-one number-plate is affixed to the front of the vehicle and another to its rear, and

(f) in the case of a motor bike or trailer-at least one number-plate is affixed to its rear, and

(g) in the case of a motor vehicle for which number-plates of different sizes are issued-the larger of the number-plates is affixed to the rear of the vehicle.
(3) Subclause (2) (a) does not apply to a vehicle number-plate of a registrable vehicle if:

(a) due to the construction of the vehicle it is not practicable to comply with that paragraph, and

(b) the number-plate is affixed in a manner that complies so far as practicable with that paragraph.

(4) Subclause (2) (b) does not apply to the rear vehicle number-plate of a registrable vehicle if:

(a) the rear number-plate of the registrable vehicle is obscured by a vehicle that is being towed by the registrable vehicle, and

(b) the towed vehicle displays a rear number-plate in accordance with subclause (2) or, when the towed vehicle is not required to display a rear number-plate, the registration number of the registrable vehicle is displayed at the rear of the towed vehicle in a manner that complies so far as practicable with subclause (2).