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Mini number plates: small thing, big deal.

If your bike rack or the bikes on it obscure visibility of your car’s rear number plate, you need to take action to stay legal and avoid some hefty fines.

Each state and territory has slightly different requirements, but it generally means either relocating your plate or ordering an additional mini or full-sized version.

Some states make it easier (and cheaper) than others, but either way — getting it sorted now will be less hassle than dealing with a fine later.

We’ve rounded up the key info for each state, plus tips on how to display your plate safely and securely:

• Jump to quick guide by state

How to mount your bike rack number plate

Once you’ve got your legal plate sorted, you’ll need to mount it properly. It must be securely fixed to the rear-most point of your rack or gear and it must remain visible, with and without bikes loaded.

Yakima offers a range of bike racks with integrated plate holders and lighting — or if your setup doesn’t have those built in, our PlateMate™ or LightMate™ can help do the job right.

What makes a plate ‘legal’?

A little Number Plates 101 refresher before we get into the nitty gritty:

• If your rear plate is even partially blocked by bikes, racks, or both, you’ll need to display an additional plate clearly at the rear of the vehicle.
• Even if you leave your rack on the car without bikes, if it’s blocking your rear plate, you can still be fined.
• In most cases, bike rack plates are an addition – not a replacement for your car's standard number plates.
• Always refer to your state government transport authorities for localised and up-to-day requirements (they do like to change things, from time to time!)

That plate needs to be:

• Clean and visible from 20 metres away
• Illuminated so it can be seen at night or in poor light
• Ordered through your state’s official transport service (no DIY jobs)

Why can't I just make my own bike rack number plate?

We get it — buying a second plate might feel like a hassle. Some 'experts' on forums might even suggest laminating a copy, 3D printing one, or giving the ol’ Cricut a crack at it. But be warned:

Fake or DIY number plates are illegal in all Australian states and territories.

Using fake plates could land you with a fine, loss of demerit point - or worse, put your safety at risk. So put the crayons down and leave the laminator alone. Be smart, stay safe — and just order the real thing.

How much does it cost?

Prices vary across Australia, from around $20 up to around $100 depending on your state and other factors.

In some places, you’ll get a smaller accessory plate. In others, you might be required to order an exact copy of your existing standard plate.

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 a nutshell

If your rear number plate is obscured by your bikes or bike rack, you’ll need an additional mini sized auxiliary plate that matches your existing plates.

How to order

• Online at myPlates.com.au
• Offline by completing the Number Plates and/or Cancellation of Registration Form and lodging it by mail or in person at a Service NSW Centre.
• By phone on 02 9433 1600.

Good to know:

• Plates can be collected from a Service NSW centre or delivered to you (additional fees may apply).
• The plate's styling must match your registered plate exactly — including colour (e.g. black on yellow, black on white).
• Learn more: Order auxiliary (bike rack) plates - Service NSW

Queensland (QLD)

In a nutshell
If your bike rack or bikes obscure your vehicle’s rear number plate in QLD, you’ll need an additional mini accessory plate.

How to order

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

Good to know

• Acessory plates are usually delivered within 2 weeks.
• If ordered at the same time as standard plates, they may arrive in separate packages.
•  Learn more: Accessory number plates and how to apply - QLD Government

Victoria (VIC)

In a nutshell

If your rear number plate is obscured by bikes or a bike rack in Victoria, you’ll need to either relocate your existing plate or order an additional bike rack number plate.

How to order

• online at vicroads.vic.gov.au

Good to know

• You can relocate your rear plate onto the rack instead of ordering a duplicate, but it must still meet visibility and lighting rules – and just make sure to put it back on your vehicle when you’re done.
• Learn more: Bicycle racks and carriers - Transport Victoria

South Australia (SA)

In a nutshell

If your vehicle’s rear number plate is blocked by bikes or a rack in SA, you have the option to relocate your existing plate or purchase a special bike rack number plate.

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 (postal submission may also be available)

Important

If you do order an additional plate, make sure it's a bicycle rack number plate, not a standard one. SA's bike rack plates are smaller and styled differently, so it’s easy to spot if you’ve ordered the wrong type. And here's the kicker: 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.

Good to know

• EzyPlates's FAQs advise that plates can usually be collected 10 working days after ordering or delivered for an additional fee.
• Learn more:  Order a bike rack plate - SA Government

Western Australia (WA)

In a nutshell

If your rear number plate is obscured by a bike rack or bikes, WA requires you to display an auxiliary plate at the rear of the vehicle.

How to order

• Online only via a DoTDirect account

Good to know

• WA’s auxiliary plates are mini-sized (the size of a standard motorcycle number plate).
•  Plates must be collected in person or by an authorised person on your behalf. You’ll nominate your preferred service centre for collection and be notified via email when it's ready, which may be up to four weeks from ordering.
• Learn more: Auxiliary Plates FAQs (PDF) - WA Deptartment of Transport

Tasmania (TAS)

In a nutshell

If your rear number plate is obscured by bikes or a bike rack, you'll need to purchase and display an additional accessory plate.

How to order

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

Good to know

• While these were previously referred to as bicycle rack number plates, the Tasmanian Government now uses the more inclusive term accessory plates.
• Plates may take 4 to 6 weeks to make, so plan ahead!
• Learn more: Apply for duplicate (and bike rack) number plates - Service Tasmania

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.