MOTOR VEHICLES ACT 1959 - SECT 47C
MOTOR VEHICLES ACT 1959 - SECT 47C
47C—Return, recovery etc of number plates
(1) The Registrar
must, before cancelling the registration of a motor vehicle on application by
the registered owner or the registered operator, be satisfied in respect of
any number plates issued for the vehicle that—
(a) the
plates have been returned to the Registrar; or
(b) the
plates cannot be returned because they have been destroyed or stolen; or
(c)
there is a proper reason why the applicant should be allowed to retain the
plates.
(2) If the
registration of a motor vehicle—
(a) has
expired; or
(b) has
become void or has been found to have been void; or
(c) is
cancelled otherwise than on application as referred to in subsection (1),
the Registrar may, by notice given in a manner and form determined by the
Minister to the owner of the vehicle or the person who is or was last
registered as the owner or the operator of the vehicle, direct the person to
either—
(d)
destroy the number plates; or
(e)
surrender the number plates to the Registrar; or
(f)
ensure that the number plates are securely stored so that they cannot be
affixed to any motor vehicle that is driven, or allowed to stand on, a road,
within the period specified in the notice.
(3) A person must not
fail, without reasonable excuse, to comply with a direction under
subsection (2).
Maximum penalty: $5 000.
(4) Subject to the
regulations, if the registration of a motor vehicle—
(a) has
expired and has not been renewed within the period allowed for renewal; or
(b) has
become void or has been found to have been void; or
(c) has
been cancelled,
the Registrar, a police officer or an authorised officer may seize any number
plates (other than number plates of a prescribed kind) issued for the vehicle
and, for the purpose of so doing, may, at any reasonable time, enter and
remain on any land or premises.