The Rockliff Liberal Government is set to make Tasmanian number plates more secure with new holographic markings to be incorporated into the design.
Minister for Infrastructure and Transport, Michael Ferguson, said Directional Security Marks will be embedded into number plates when they are made, which means they can’t be removed physically or chemically.
“This means it will be nearly impossible for fraudulent plates to be made, making identification of illegal plates much easier,” Mr Ferguson.
“There are a number of reasons some people may seek to make unauthorised reproduction or fake plates but in general it would be for illicit reasons to avoid identification.
“Appearing similar to the holographic authentication marks on driver licences, the symbols are embedded in the retro-reflective sheeting used in making authentic number plates.
“They are visible to a viewer standing about two metres behind a vehicle looking down to the rear plate but disappear when the viewer moves to one side or the other from the viewing position.”
“Importantly, the marks are verifiable in diffuse daylight and by retro-reflected light at night.
“Initially the marks will be applied to regular vehicle and trailer plates as well as government vehicle and trailer plates and we are currently examining having them applied to custom and personalised plates.
“Vehicle owners don’t need to take any action and the new feature will be rolled-out on new plates and as existing plates are renewed or replaced normally.
“Importantly, this new security feature will not increase the cost for new plates in Tasmania.”
More Media Releases from Michael Ferguson
More Media Releases from the Minister for Infrastructure and Transport