Mysterious number plate spotted on Aussie road raises eyebrows: 'Is it legal?'

Yahoo

09-04-2025

Intriguing number plates often catch the eyes of drivers when they're spotted on Australian roads, with quirky phrases, clever wordplay, and eyebrow-raising combinations sparking everything from amusement to confusion.
While customising number plates can be a costly exercise few ever care to consider — some sets require no letters or numbers at all. This week, a driver in Queensland questioned the legality of an intriguing set of plates spotted on a Lexus on the road in Milton, an inner suburb of Brisbane.
"Spotted this car with no real numbers or [letters] on the road this morning on my dashcam," the motorist wrote online. "Is this legal?" they asked. The plates in question simply show a shiny silver crown protruding from an all black background.
Some people responding replied with sarcasm, with one person saying, "Yeah mate, that's the Queen of Brisbane". But others pointed out the simple reality, that in fact, such plates are reserved for the Governor of Queensland — Dr Jeannette Young.
Speaking to Yahoo News, a Transport and Main Roads spokesperson also confirmed the plates belong to the state's governor.
The exclusivity of these plates helps with security, protocol, and formal identification, particularly during state functions or official events. Much like other states in Australia, these low-number or specially marked plates are not available to the general public and are held as part of the state's heritage and administrative identity.
A key detail, barely visible through the front windscreen, is another giveaway. When the Governor of Queensland is travelling, her official vehicle is easy to spot — not just by the distinctive number plate, but also by the ceremonial flags mounted on the front bumper.
For formal occasions, she is typically escorted by a motorcade, often including three police motorcycles leading the way. On less formal outings, it's common for an unmarked police car to accompany the vehicle, maintaining a discreet but constant security presence.
In Victoria in February, a similar scenario played out in the CBD when a white BMW SUV's plates only showed a single crown on the front and rear.
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They are in place on vehicles driven by important members of the Commonwealth, such as the Governor-General and State Governors. It might seem like an odd tradition to some, but it goes back decades and typically reflects the driver's vice-regal status, representing the British monarchy in Australia.
The crown on the number plate signifies the vehicle's official government use and the occupant's role as the monarch's representative. It serves as a symbol of authority, similar to how royal insignia are used on official government documents, seals, and uniforms.
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