Heritage plates are generally considered to be the first official number plates issued in each Australian state or territory.
The plates consist solely of numbers, with the exception of Queensland where the plates start with a ‘Q’.
This article is not intended to be an in-depth history of heritage plates, but more of a quick reference guide when trying to identify a plate.
The information below is still a work in progress. 🙂
Victoria
Plate type: Black with white numbers. Vitreous enamel.
Numbers issued: 1 to 285000
Years issued: 1932 to 1939
More info: Vic Roads Heritage Plates
New South Wales
Plate type: Black with white numbers.
Numbers issued: 1 to 273978*
Years issued: January 1910 to 1937
* Although the highest issued plate up to 1937 was 273978, the RMS has since issued higher numbers at auction.
Referred to by the RMS as “Numeral only plates”.
Queensland
Plate type: Black ‘Q’ on a white background, followed by white numbers on a black background.
Numbers issued: Q1 to Q687612
Years issued: 1921 to 1955 (31 May)
Click here to see which numbers where released during which years.
More info: PPQ Q Plates
South Australia
Plate type: Black with white numbers.
Numbers issued: 1 to ?
Years issued: 1906 to ?
More info: