Automotive

Custom Japanese-style number plates launched in South Australia to coincide with today’s All Japan Day in Glenelg

South Australia is home to over 800,000 registered Japanese-made vehicles, and the new plates are designed to better fit the bumpers, as they’re styled after traditional Japanese plates.

Photo credit: @solitudemediaco (IG)

In an announcement sure to excite Japanese Domestic Market (JDM) car enthusiasts, South Australia has introduced custom Japanese-style number plates, available from today.

The launch of these highly anticipated plates is scheduled at the annual All Japan Day in Glenelg on Sunday, February 25, 2024, marking a significant moment for Japanese car owners in the region. These custom plates allow for a personal touch, offering owners the chance to select their own combination of up to six characters. Available in striking colours such as black, blue, green, or maroon writing on a white background, the plates can be obtained for an annual fee of $235.

For those seeking something even more unique, a once-off $259 fee will secure a set series plate, issued sequentially starting from 00AAA, in traditional green writing on a white background to mirror the authentic Japanese number plates. Additionally, a limited run of 100 special edition plates, numbered from 00JDM to 99JDM, will be up for grabs through a series of auctions.

The first auction will feature ten of the most coveted numbers, including 7, 11, 21, 33, 43, 54, 60, 74, 82, and 98. Given the uniqueness and limited availability, these special edition plates are expected to attract significant interest, with some numbers anticipated to fetch thousands of dollars.

Designed to accommodate the specific dimensions of imported Japanese cars, these plates are shorter and more proportionate than the traditional South Australian plates. This design eliminates the need for car owners to modify their vehicles to fit standard plates, ensuring a perfect fit for cars with bumpers designed for smaller Japanese plates.

The introduction of Japanese-style number plates caters to the diverse preferences of SA’s residents. South Australia is home to over 800,000 registered Japanese-made vehicles, highlighting the significance of this initiative. It also expands the State Government’s selection of special number plates, which includes the popular Euro, numeric, premium plates, and last year’s Koala State plates designed to support South Australian wildlife.

Speaking on the occasion, Tom Koutsantonis MP, Minister for Infrastructure and Transport expressed his enthusiasm for the launch, stating, “There is a thriving and passionate Japanese Domestic Market car community in Adelaide, and we expect these plates to generate great excitement.” He added, “My office has received plenty of correspondence asking for these plates to become available in South Australia, and we’re delighted to deliver. This will allow JDM drivers to display their much-loved vehicles in showroom condition out on the road.”

For those interested in purchasing a Japanese-style plate or registering for the special edition plate auction, visit ezyplates.sa.gov.au and join the race to claim a piece of this exciting new offering.

All Japan Day is happening in Glenelg today from 10am to 3pm, and spectators are welcome (with a gold coin donation). The event will be spread across Wigley AND Colley Reserves. For more information, head to their Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/AllJapanDay

More News

To Top