Australians are no strangers to the odd and the quirky, especially regarding vehicles spotted on the road.
Personalised number plates are common, often showcasing the owner’s sense of humour, love for a sports team, or a knack for clever wordplay.
But every now and then, a number plate comes along that does more than just amuse or impress—it baffles.
This was precisely the case when a motorist in Milton, an inner suburb of Brisbane, Queensland, captured footage of a Lexus sporting a number plate that seemed to defy the usual conventions.
The plate didn’t feature the standard alphanumeric characters we’re all used to. Instead, it boasted a shiny silver crown set against a stark black background.
‘Spotted this car with no real numbers or [letters] on the road this morning on my dashcam,’ the perplexed driver shared online. ‘Is this legal?’ they pondered.
The sight of such an unusual plate naturally sparked a flurry of responses. Some took a humorous approach, with one commenter jesting, ‘Yeah mate, that’s the Queen of Brisbane.’ However, the truth behind the mysterious plate is steeped in tradition and official protocol.
As it turns out, these plates are not just legal; they’re a symbol of significant authority. Reserved for the Governor of Queensland—currently Dr Jeannette Young—these plates are a mark of the state’s heritage and the administrative identity of its highest office.
A spokesperson from the Transport and Main Roads department confirmed that the plates indeed belong to the state’s governor. These exclusive plates play a crucial role in security, protocol, and formal identification, especially during state functions or official events.
In Australia, it’s not uncommon for vehicles of high-ranking officials, such as the Governor-General and State Governors, to bear such distinctive insignia.
These plates, which may seem peculiar to the uninitiated, are deeply rooted in historical tradition. They reflect the individual’s role as a representative of the British monarchy in Australia.
This tradition mirrors the use of royal insignia on government documents, seals, and uniforms, serving as a visual cue of the vehicle’s importance.
A commenter shed light on other telltale signs of the governor’s presence ‘If the Governor is in the car it would have flags on the front bumper bar, depending on who else is in there too.’
‘If she is going to a formal ceremony she would have 3 police bikes in front of her. Otherwise there is usually an unmarked police vehicle with that car most of the time.’
The original poster noted that there ‘wasn’t a bike or police’ when they took the photo.
In a similar incident earlier this year, residents of Victoria’s CBD were intrigued by a white BMW SUV with plates displaying a single crown. This, too, was a vehicle driven by a member of the Commonwealth’s upper echelons.
While these special plates are not available to the general public, they offer a glimpse into the ceremonial aspects of Australia’s governmental structure and the respect afforded to those who serve in these high offices.
So, the next time you see a number plate that breaks all the rules, it might be carrying someone very important. It’s a reminder that, even in a world where we value egalitarianism, certain symbols and traditions still denote a higher rank and responsibility.
Have you ever come across a number plate that made you do a double-take? Or do you have your own story of an unusual sighting on the road? Share your experiences with us in the comments below—we’d love to hear about the unique and unexpected things you’ve encountered across Australia.
Also read: ‘Sorry mate, I didn’t see you’: when drivers look but don’t see cyclists on the road
