Am I allowed to take Qld number plates overseas?

[GoBigOne]

Hello everyone,

Probably a somewhat bizarre query however prior to jumping in and just including them in my luggage does anyone " in the know " think that is is a problem to include expired Qld vehicle registration plates in their luggage on an international flight?

I ask this because I have a few lying around and I am hoping to maybe do a bit of a trade-off in some diners in the US and am worried that customs might pull us up and single us out for some legal technicality or other and therefore make us miss our fight.


thanks in advance,
BigOne

 

[Brisbane Flyer]

Hiya,

My brother in law from USA departed last month with two number plates in his luggage, sailed thru US customs.
They are now in a garage somewhere in USA hanging on the wall!

Cheers
BF

 

[Mal]

I think the answer is no. However the chance of getting pulled up is nearly zero.

If they were personalized plates then you basically own them but can't attach to another car without approval.

Can't do the searches from my mobile easily but the legal speak should be in the road use management act. Should be able to find a copy on legislation.qld.gov.au

Sent from my GT-I9100 using AustFreqFly

 

[GoBigOne]

Hi Mal & Brisbane Flyer, thanks for your reply,

I can see 31 items in this act containing the word " act ", none of them state that these plates remain the property of the Australian government at all times. After all, we do pay a fee to the govt for these plates so surely they do remain our property? In the road use management act 1995 found in the first result on Google for the search of " road use management act qld "
Maybe I am missing something here.

BigOne

 

[Mal]

One of the issues is that if you cancel registration you have to return the plates or sign a declaration that they are lost or stolen. Afaik normal registration plates remain the property of the govt and you just borrow them. (which is bizarre because if they fail after the warranty period you have to pay to replace).

Colored and personalized plates are different. Anyway. Like i said can't really do the research at the moment. I think the risk is minimal and see plates overseas all the time. There are even notepads made from old plates (altho i think it was only vic and nsw plates being used).



Sent from my GT-I9100 using AustFreqFly

 

[GoBigOne]

Hmmm, i wonder if I should just send them to my destination motel prior to departure ( they have already ok`d me to forward other items and they will hold them for me ) or risk carrying them in my luggage and then risk being held up in customs etc etc etc

Probably should send them prior to departure?

 

[Paddy55]

I bought some California ones to Oz

 

[ashleyn]

I bought some California ones to Oz

I have a friend who collects plates and I am always on the lookout. I have found a few in odd countries lying on the side of the road (never obtained illegally) and bought them back in checked in luggage. Never had a problem.

 

[vertisol]

reality is that licensing and registration is all done under state government legislation which Customs have no jurisdiction over. I'm pretty sure they wouldn't give a rats

 

[GoBigOne]

reality is that licensing and registration is all done under state government legislation which Customs have no jurisdiction over. I'm pretty sure they wouldn't give a rats

Ah, thank you vertisol, thats what I like to hear

 

[Duffa]

I shipped a car from UK 12 years ago and only last week, discovered that Mrs Duffa had cleaned out my shed and sent the Pommy plates to the TIP!!
I've a good mind to re-book her J class ticket to Europe next month and shove her down in cattle!
Your thoughts, please?

 

[sutho58]

I'm not sure of the laws in Qld, but in Vic ALL number plates remain the property of Vic Roads, including personalised plates. If you are going to have any problems, it would only be leaving Aus imo. But if they're in your checked luggage it would be pretty hard for customs or anyone else to know.

 

[Simo]

IMHO you will be right as I don't think customs will have an issue with them.

I have seen Aussie plates on walls in Aussie bars overseas.

Qld Tpt department will be the issue as they will want to know what has happened to the old plates.

 

[trooper]

They were seriously lost!

I think it's been nailed.. Customs won't give a rats... it's not in their purview.

I too have brought plates home from overseas.. Just HAD to have a New Hampshire plate...

State motto: Live free or die! :mrgreen::mrgreen:

 

[Major]

Souvenir plates can be purchased on E Bay and bought in souvenir shops all over the place.

souvenir license plate | eBay

I don't think customs are concerned or interested at all

 

[leemin]

I agree you won't have a problem with Customs. Out of their jurisdiction.

As stated earlier, in Victoria, plates remain the property of the State. Doubt it would be different in Queensland. That means that when a registration is changed/expired, the plates are to be either returned to VicRoads, or destroyed by you. The onus is on you to do one of these things.

Now to my point; it doesn't matter if they're not handed in or destroyed in reality, unless they turn up later on a stolen car. Then you will have a problem. VicRoads will know you were the last to legally display that particular registration etc etc.

I think you'd be pretty safe taking them to the US..