Australian drivers can now make use of five selected emojis to liven up their car number plates. This was instated in Queensland on March 1, and allows motorists to choose between the “laugh out loud”, “heart eyes”, “smiley face”, “winky face” and “cool sunglasses” emoticons.
A government-owned company called Personalised Plates Queensland is offering the service, and will reportedly charge drivers between $85.40 and $475 per number plate. In rands, this equates to a price range of between R861.89 and R4 793.90.
Each plate will be either black or white, and must contain a mix of three letters and two numbers, as there is a maximum of five characters per plate. The number-character combination is a requirement of Australian law.
There are also five number plate designs available.
According to Australian media, the Royal Automobile Club of Queensland (RACQ) has no objection to the scheme, and it would be no different from drivers putting the logo of their favourite sports team on their number plate.
However, not everyone is happy about this development.
Bill Potts, who is the President of the Queensland Law Society, has criticised emoji number plates being allowed.
“The purpose of number plates is for the police to be able to identify vehicles,” Potts said to the Brisbane Times. “How do you write down the emoji in your number plate after an accident?”
He was critical of the Australian government attempting to “sex up” number plates.
The proceeds from the sale of personalised plates will help to support Queensland Government initiatives, including road safety,
Picture: Twitter
