The custom South Australian registration plate names that were rejected by the transport department

They’re the customised SA rego plates that the government said were too lewd, crude or offensive for the road. See a sample of the the names that got knocked back.

Hundreds of customised number plate requests - ranging from ZEROFKS to MURDERD - have been rejected because they are too offensive,new figures shows.

Details from the transport department show that South Australian’s desire to stand out from the pack is showing no signs ofwaning.

But since January 2018, 355 number plate requests have failed to pass a common decency test.

Flinders University Professor of Cultural Studies Tara Brabazon said cars – like clothing and fashion – are now consumer objectsof extremes.

Artwork The Advertiser.

“So what started as customization through a slightly saucy paint job on a panel van or some fluffy dice has now moved throughthe extremities of taste and – indeed – popular culture,” she said.

“The line between popular culture and unpopular culture is always shifting. One of the easiest ways to create distinctivenessand customization is to offend people. That is why the license plate is the last stand of unpopular culture.

“It is a way to use an everyday object to create a distinctive place and space on the streets. “But – as with all popularculture – the degree of distinctiveness is patrolled. That is why these seemingly ‘offensive’ plates are rejected.”

The number of SA motorists purchasing customised number plates is on the rise from 3,964 in 2016/17 to 4,943 in 2019/20. Earlierthis month a BMW left at the Adelaide Airport with the number plate COVID gained worldwide attention. At the time the transport department said words could be used that are openly said in the community,even if they are in poor taste, cheeky or attention-seeking.

It has since said it has “blocked” the term “COVID 19” from future use on car number plates.

Rejected.

Blocked.

Knocked back.

Not approved.

Not allowed.