Japanese plates a huge success following first auction

Tuesday, 27 August 2024

The long-awaited release of Japanese-style number plates has proven popular with South Australians with more than one thousand vehicles already rocking their new plates.

South Australians have raced to snap up the highly sought after custom, set series and special edition plates, with more than 650 plates purchased in the first week following their release in late February.

Sales surpassed 1660 in August and the custom plates have been the most popular option for buyers, selling more than 870 to date.

The first ten of 100 special edition plates were auctioned with one South Australian snapping up the lucky number seven for more than $9000.

Prized double numbers, like 33 and 11, were also popular at auction selling for $7850 and $6550 respectively.

Following extensive interest from the Japanese Domestic Market car community, the State Government introduced the plates to allow thriving and passionate enthusiasts to display them on their much-loved Japanese vehicles.

The custom plates allow owners to choose their own combination of up to six characters and are available in black, blue, green or maroon writing on a white background, for an annual fee of $235.

A once-off $259 fee will buy a set series plate, which are being issued in sequence starting from 00AAA. These are available in the traditional green writing on white background to reflect the number plates issued in Japan.

Meanwhile, the timing for a second auction to sell the next ten special edition plates is currently being considered by the Department for Infrastructure and Transport.

The addition of the Japanese-style plates expands the State Government’s selection of special number plates, which already includes the popular Euro, numeric and premium plates and last year’s release of Koala State plates – designed specially to support South Australian wildlife.

People can buy plates or register interest for the special edition plate auction at ezyplates.sa.gov.au.

Revenue raised from the auctions is returned to the Department to fund services for South Australians.