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Everything you need to know about bicycle rack number plates in Australia.

Updated 29/07/2025

Imagine this: You’ve got your bike rack on the rear of your car with your bikes loaded. You’re driving along ready for an awesome day cycling when, all of a sudden, the police pull you over because a bike is blocking your number plate. It may not land you in jail, but nothing ruins your day more than an on-the-spot fine! Here’s how you can prevent this happening to you.

Firstly, make sure your car is fitted with official, standard-sized number plates. Secondly, if the official number plate on the rear of your vehicle is covered by a bike or bike rack, you’ll also need to get a mini accessory number plate that displays the registration details and allows your registration details to be seen clearly.

As well as being visible from 20 metres away, you must make sure the mini number plate is clean, free from dirt and illuminated so it can be seen at night or in poor light conditions. Even if you leave a bike rack on your car without any bikes, if the number plate is obscured, you may still be fined.

Getting a mini number plate might seem like a hassle and leave you out of pocket. Isn’t it easier just to make a copy of your number plate, laminate it and slap it on the bike rack? You could, and many cycling forums suggest just that. However, we suggest that you don’t.

Fake and DIY number plates are considered illegal and could land you a fine and possible loss of demerit points. Best to just purchase the plate.

Get the right mini number plates for your state

Each Australian state has different ways for you to order your mini number plates and different rules to follow. Prices and details on mini plates vary state to state. Fortunately, we’ve made it easy and listed them all here for you.

† In Victoria, South Australia and the Northern Territory, you have the option to relocate your existing number plate rather than purchasing a separate bike plate.

New South Wales (NSW)

In NSW, mini number plates are referred to as auxiliary plates.

How to order:

• head to myPlates.com.au and follow the steps online
• download, print and complete the Number Plates and/or Cancellation of Registration Form and lodge by mail or in person at a Service NSW Centre.
• you can also call myPlates on 02 9433 1600.

Plates can be collected from a Service NSW centre or delivered to you (additional fees may apply).

Learn more about auxiliary plates in NSW

Queensland (QLD)

QLD refers to mini number plates as accessory plates.

How to order:

• online from Personalised Plates Queensland at ppq.com.au
• in person at a transport and motoring customer service centre.

PPQ says your new accessory plates should be delivered within 12 to 14 working days.

Learn more about accessory plates in QLD

Victoria (VIC)

Driving with an obscured number plate in Victoria or improperly displayed number plate will see you lose demerit points, as well as an on the spot fine. Please also note, when driving at night the number plate must have sufficient lighting to ensure it remains visible. If you’re not keen on buying a mini plate then you’re able to attach your rear number plate to the bike rack. Just make sure to put it back on your vehicle when you’re done. If that sounds like too much effort, you can get another set of plates from VicRoads.

How to order:

• online at vicroads.vic.gov.au

VicRoads says to expect delivery of your new plates within 14 working days.

Learn more about bike rack regulations in VIC

South Australia (SA)

Like Victoria, in South Australia you have the option to remove the rear number plate and attach it to the bike rack or purchase a special bike rack number plate. However, make sure you if you order an additional plate it is a bicycle rack number plates and not a standard number plate. While you can move the standard rear number plate, you cannot display the rear number plate and a standard number plate on the bike rack at the same time.

How to order:

• online from ezyplates.sa.gov.au
• download and submit a form (MR35 Application for a Replacement Number Plate) in person to a Service SA customer service centre
• post the completed form to: Service SA, GPO Box 1533, Adelaide SA 5001

EzyPlates's FAQs page advises that number plates can usually be collected from a customer service centre 10 working days after placing your order or posted to you for an additional fee.

Learn more about number plates in SA

Western Australia (WA)

In Western Australia, mini number plates are called auxiliary plates. 

How to order:

• online via a DoTDirect account.

You’ll be asked to nominate a service centre from which to collect your auxiliary plate. You will receive an email when the number plate is ready to be collected, which may take up to four weeks.

Learn more about Auxiliary plates in WA

Tasmania (TAS)

In Tasmania, the plates are simply called Bike Rack Number Plates.

How to order:

• Complete the MR171 form Application Form available at transport.tas.gov.au and head to a Service Tasmania Centre to order and pay the fee

The Tasmanian Government advises that Bike Rack Number Plates may take 4 to 6 weeks to make, so be sure to plan ahead!

Learn more about bike rack plates in TAS

Australian Capital Territory (ACT)

In the ACT, you'll need a new bike rack number plate that's the same number and material as your existing number plate.

How to order:

• head to one of the Access Canberra locations; or
• phone the Access Canberra Contact Centre on 13 22 81.

Learn more about bike rack number plates in ACT

Northern Territory (NT)

As with Victoria and South Australia, in the Northern Territory, you are able to relocate your existing number plate. Alternatively, you can purchase an additional number plate from the Motor Vehicle Registry (MVR). Number plates issued elsewhere or homemade are considered illegal.

How to order:

• Download an Application Form and email the completed form to mvr@nt.gov.au, mail your application or apply in person at an MVR office. MVR will then call you to take a payment on a Visa or MasterCard.

Learn more about number Plates in NT

Bonus tips for keeping your bike rack and number plates legal

• To avoid any run-ins with the authorities, make sure your bikes don’t obscure the brake lights or indicators as this can also be classed as an offense and a safety issue.
• If your vehicle isn’t registered for any reason, it is an offense to keep the number plates (both official and mini sized). You’ll have to return them to a transport office in your state.
• If you are looking for the easiest way to attach your mini number plate to your bike rack, Yakima’s LightMate and PlateMate^TM accessory number plate holders comply with all the relevant Australian state regulations and are super easy to install with the Velcro straps included.

These tips will ensure you can have a fun day cycling with peace of mind as you travel with your bikes.

Related Products

PlateMate

PlateMate^TM makes it super easy to legally display your accessory number plate in Australia.

LightMate

Accessory number plate holder with lights. The bigger brighter brother to PlateMate.