Using L & P plates : VicRoads

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Using your L and P plates

Plates must be clearly visible
It is your responsibility to make sure that the car you are driving has your L or P plates clearly visible ahead and behind at a distance of 20 metres at all times. You must display your L or P plates at the front and back of the car whenever you drive.

If you are a learner

You must display L plates whenever you drive, regardless of when you obtained your learner permit



If you are a probationary driver
If you are a probationary driver you must display P plates whenever you drive.

If you obtained a probationary licence prior to 1 July 2008, you must now display green 'P' plates until the end of your probationary period.

If you obtained a probationary licence on or after 1 July 2008 and you were issued with a P1 licence, you must display red 'P' plates during your P1 period.

Drivers issued with a P2 licence on or after 1 July, must display green 'P' plates.

Below is an illustration of the red and green 'P' plates.


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Note: The colour used on the new green 'P' plates is Pantone 356U


Internal plates
Electrostatic
These are attached to the inside of the front and rear windows and are made of see-through, electrostatic material.

Solid plastic
These plates, with suction cups, are also used internally. These plates are suggested if you remove and reapply the plates on a regular basis.


External plates
Solid plastic
These plates can be used externally if holes are drilled and they are attached to the registration number plates, on the front and rear of the vehicle.

Magnetic
Magnetic plates can be used externally, however you should follow the manufacturer's instructions and remove them at least once a week. You should also take care not to leave them on the outside of the vehicle, as they can be easily removed when the vehicle is unattended.

Peel and stick-on
Reusable peel-off/stick-on plates can be peeled off and attached to the outside of the front and rear windows.


Tinted windows
If you have tinted windows, VicRoads recommends that you consider using external plates. Depending on how dark the tint is, internal plates may be difficult to see and you may be fined and incur demerit points for not having them clearly visible.


Demister lines
Always take care when attaching objects directly on to rear window demister lines as this may cause damage to the lines. If you are concerned that your plates may affect the demister lines, VicRoads recommends that you consider using external plates.