Footage released by Dash Cam Owners Australia has unveiled a Lexus GS owner’s attempt to evade toll fees on a Sydney road. The video shows the blue Lexus driving along a toll route while obscuring its number plate with a black curtain. Just after passing under a toll gantry, the driver appears to lower the curtain—likely using a remote control—revealing the number plate as the vehicle moves out of range of detection cameras.
In New South Wales, the consequences for using a Class A vehicle without properly displayed number plates are severe. The penalty is set at $562 along with three demerit points. Should the case be taken to court, fines could exceed $2,000.
Transport for NSW outlines the toll payment process. If a driver fails to pay a toll by the due date, a final toll notice is issued, which typically incurs an additional administration fee of around $20. Non-payment can lead to a fine of $190, and if further overdue fines accumulate, drivers risk losing their licence or vehicle registration. Serious cases may be referred to debt collectors by toll operators.
The Road Transport (Vehicle Registration) Regulation 2017 stipulates that vehicles in NSW must have number plates permanently fitted in an upright position, parallel to the vehicle’s axles, and no higher than 1.3 metres from the ground. The numbers must remain visible from all angles within a 20-metre distance and within a 45-degree arc from the surface of the plate.
This incident highlights the risks associated with attempting to bypass toll payments. Authorities are likely to take a firm stance on such evasive tactics, reinforcing the importance of adhering to transport regulations.
