Red light: VicRoads says no to emoji number plates for Victoria

Queensland motorists are about to get these quirky new regos, but VicRoads has given this change to registration plates a big frowny face.

An example of a Queensland emoji personalised registration plate. Picture: Supplied

Smartphone-wielding, social media-loving drivers in Queensland will soon be allowed to add emojis to their personalised number plates, adding a little character to their road-going statement of individuality — but VicRoads has given the idea a red light for Victorians.

The unusual move is set to be rolled out by Personalised Plates Queensland (PPQ) from next month, allowing drivers to adorn their number plates with a touch of emotion.

Royal Automobile Club of Queensland (RACQ) spokeswoman Rebecca Michael said it was no different from allowing drivers to express themselves with other available themes like their favourite footy team.

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Speed cameras may prove a stumbling block to introducing emoji licence plates in Victoria. Picture: Tony Gough

“For quite some time we’ve seen that you can support your favourite team or your favourite town with a symbol on your number plate,” Dr Michael told 7 News Brisbane.

“And using an emoji is no different.”

But before your mind goes straight to the gutter, no, you won’t be able to completely replace the letters and numbers on your number plate with an eggplant or smiling poo emoji.

The smartphone symbols won’t be included in rego numbers and are simply decorative.

To begin with, there will be a choice of just five standard symbols available. They include the laugh out loud (crying laugh emoji), a winking face emoji, a cool sunglasses emoji, heart eyes and the standard smiling face emoji.

Drivers who are keen for the emoji licence plates will need to fork out somewhere between $160 and $500 for the privilege, according to the 7 News report.

The idea has been met with a mixed reaction on social media. While some users think it’s a bit of fun, others aren’t so sure about the emoji takeover.

“I want this to happen so I can have a laugh at people’s number plates on the way to work,” wrote one Facebook user.

“This feels like an April fool’s joke,” someone added.

“Please no. Is this what Brisbane has come to?” asked another user.

Meanwhile most others just wanted to spell something rude with the symbols. Because, after all, what else are emojis for?

But VicRoads cant release any number plate design that can’t be read accurately by law enforcement agencies, the main reason registration numbers exist.

VicRoads’ Director Commercial Enterprises, Lee Dobson, says the agency issues about 25,000 custom personalised number plates each year.

“Emojis are not currently available on any custom plates offered by VicRoads and there are currently no plans to introduce them,” he said in a statement to the Herald Sun.

“Any proposed or new number plate designs would be subject to camera testing through law enforcement agencies to ensure readability.”