number plates (ebay)

xbcool · 08-07-2007, 04:09 PM

gday,
I recently purchased a set of number plates off ebay ,nsw 2 numbers and 4 letters with no ongoing fees.
when I fronts up at the rta to put them in storage I was told that you can not buy plates off ebay and it's illegal to sell them, and they were promptly taken from me .
these plates didnt cost a great deal $200 ,so I'm not interested in even trying to chase the seller for a refund as I don't think he has done anything wrong ,he sent a heap of paperwork out lining him moving interstate and changing plates etc.

what I'm trying to find out has anyone purchased plates off ebay (nsw) and been able to display them or put them in storage.

and if it is illegal to sell them why are there so many for sale on ebay and magazines such as trading post etc.

I'd hate to see someone outlay 5 grand for a set of custom plates to have the rta confiscate them.

thanks steve

nugget378 · 08-07-2007, 04:13 PM

Sounds weird,a mate bought some fancy (all letters) plates late last year and the RTA put them in storage no problem..
Maybe the person you dealt with made a mistake?
Or just wanted the plates for a friend of theirs?
Did you chase it up with a manager?
Get anything in writing?

Yellow_Festiva · 08-07-2007, 04:20 PM

I think they need to be already in storage to be sold. I think what has happened here is that the seller has had the plates, let them expire, keep them and then sold them.

If they are in storage then they are kept "valid" by paying the storage fee as well as the usual fees just like they were on a car.

Did you see if the plates were available on the RTA web site?

xbcool · 08-07-2007, 05:16 PM

rta only said that I could apply for the plates in 3 months after they come out of quarinteen and they will then have a annual fee on them.

the plates were only 2 days out of rego from when he change them to interstate (qld)

like I said I'm not upset about the bucks, just trying to find out if other people have had the same issue and what was their outcome.

FASTXR · 08-07-2007, 06:23 PM

Mate I think you'll find that custom plates (eg JOHN or FPVGT) can be sold but "regular" plates (eg ABC 123) cannot.

From the RTA website:

Quote:

Can I sell my plates or give them to a friend?

Only personalised plus number plates can be sold or transferred and transfer fees will apply. All other number plates are only transferable to immediate family members, de facto couples or between vehicles owned by the same company.

I sold my custom plates about 8 months ago, and apart from a bit of paperwork to be filled out by both parties its pretty simple.

xbcool · 08-07-2007, 08:12 PM

yeah thanks for that FASTXR, I just checked on rta website and they were classed as personalised content and can't be sold.
looks liked I should have done a bit more homework before parting with the bucks.

FASTXR · 09-07-2007, 09:12 AM

Damn, sorry to hear that.

As you said, if you want those plates you'll just have to put in an application so you'll get them once they come out of the 3-month "quarantine" period. By the look of it, you'll then be up for an annual fee of either $60 if they're standard yellow plates or $90 if they're white and black plates.

Good luck with it all!