The Japanese numberplates are taller and narrower than standard Australian plates. Photo: ACT Government.
Rob Taylor hopes to be first in line for a new type of ACT numberplate when it goes on sale from 1 October this year.
His highlighter-yellow Mazda RX-7 sports coupe was a star of last weekend’s Canberra 7s Day – an event to celebrate all things Mazda RX-7. Imported directly from Japan, the vehicle carries numberplates much taller and narrower than standard Australian plates.
“To fit the [standard ACT] plates, you have to either modify the car, which many owners are not keen on doing, or bend or modify the numberplate which is technically illegal,” Mr Taylor said.
Japanese-style numberplates typically measure 330 mm wide and 165 mm tall. They’re already offered as an option by NSW, Queensland, Victoria and Tasmania (prices range from $295 to $495).
With the support of former ACT Greens MLA Johnathan Davis, Mr Taylor launched a petition back in 2023 for the ACT to get up to speed.
“If this is something the owners of imported Japanese motor vehicles are able to get in other jurisdictions but not in the ACT, then I argue this puts us behind the eight ball,” Mr Davis told Region at the time.
The petition racked up more than 500 signatures. In a response handed down in December 2023, the ACT Government agreed to offer Japanese plates among existing non-standard options available from Access Canberra.
The new plates were officially launched at Canberra 7s Day on Sunday, 12 July, and are expected to go on sale from 1 October 2025.
Rob Taylor and his Mazda RX-7 (left) with Mazda car club MazdACT founder Justin Bush (right) at Canberra 7s Day 2023. Photo: Mazda Australia.
“We know there’s a strong community of enthusiasts in the ACT who import and maintain Japanese vehicles to a very high standard and we’ve listened to their calls for number plates that properly fit the design and dimensions of their cars,” ACT Minister for City and Government Services Tara Cheyne said in a statement to Region.
“Plates that don’t fit not only compromise the aesthetic of these vehicles but can also cause practical issues. In some cases, they may even be considered non-compliant or reduce the visibility of the plate, which can affect detection.
“This is a commonsense change that brings us into line with other jurisdictions and supports both road safety and vehicle compliance.”
She said based on take-up in other jurisdictions, about 100 ACT vehicle owners were expected to buy the new plates.
“It’s a modest but meaningful improvement that will make a real difference to people who are proud of their vehicles and want to do the right thing.”
The fee will be the same as for European-style number plates, starting at $577.10 for a standard JDM design and $686.30 for personalised.
The ACT’s Japanese-style numberplates (indicative only). Photo: ACT Government.
Mr Taylor said he and his wife Liz were “over the moon” with the decision.
“We’ll definitely be getting a set for our RX-7 and I know there was a lot of support on the day when we made the announcement with people even asking if they could pre-order,” he said.
“So I think the community will show that the plates will be taken up come October. My wife and I, and the whole team at Canberra 7s, have really appreciated Tara’s support on the matter and all the hard work from Access Canberra to get it across the line.
“I’m hoping to be first in line come October!”
