When you think of the number plate of a vehicle, you’d probably think of one that consists of six to eight characters. At least, that’s the case in Singapore.
In your entire life, you’d probably never seen a vehicle whose number plate is any lesser than that, even if you travelled overseas.
Well, someone has done the unthinkable.
M’sian Motorcyclist Fined for Using the “World’s Smallest Number Plate”
A Malaysian motorcyclist has done something against the odds and has what to be dubbed by authorities and netizens as the “world’s smallest number plate”.
The motorcyclist in question was caught when Malaysian authorities were conducting an operation on 2 September to tackle traffic violations in Shah Alam, Cyberjaya, Petaling Jaya and Subang Jaya.
While their quest was to investigate traffic violations, they came across the most epic encounter.
The police had seen a motorcycle with a microscopic registration plate, according to a post on the Road Transport Department’s Facebook page.
The Malaysian authorities allow certain modifications of car and vehicle plates. However, the motorcycle owner had made alterations to its plate to such an extent that its numbers were barely visible.
His number plate is so tiny, it’s the size of a finger. The Malaysian police have then issued him a fine for such an obscured number plate.
Other Motorcyclists Caught for Similar Offences
The motorcyclist with the world’s smallest number plate wasn’t the only one caught for such an offence, as other motorcyclists have also been caught for similar offences.
According to Malaysia’s Road Transport Act 1987, using a confusing number plate that does not comply with the laws and meets the specifications set by authorities is an offence. Fines can range between RM300 (S$88) and RM3,000 (S$873).
This adds to the list of Malaysia’s most unusual number plates after another similar incident took place last month in August.
According to Sinar Daily, the incident involved a teenager arrested for using the registration number “Nasty Port Flow” for his motorcycle.
In April, another motorcyclist was also arrested for his number plate. His number plate had the words “Sayang awok”, meaning “I love you” in Malay.
Such incidents occurred in our neighbouring country; thus, the regulations may be completely different from Singapore’s approach.
You surely know you can’t have a number plate as tiny as a finger here.
According to Motorist Singapore, car plate numbers can be so competitive that folks would have to bid for new car plate numbers. Bidding for new car plate numbers can be done through the One Motoring website.
The minimum bid is $1,000, which can be increased in multiples of $1. Certain licence plate character combinations can go up to tens of thousands of dollars depending on the series and demand.
Another option is to purchase car plate numbers from collectors and other car owners if you want a car plate that’s vintage or unique. Due to the “collector value” and rarity of these plates, they may cost you a fortune.
You can expect to pay between $5,000 to $250,000 for rare licence plates if you want to go all out.