In Brisbane, drivers cover license plates in an attempt to avoid parking fines
In Brisbane, Australia, some drivers are covering their vehicles’ license plates with plastic sheets, folding chairs and dishcloths in an attempt to avoid fines for parking violations. This is happening amid the city council’s introduction of an automated parking enforcement camera system, ABC News Australia reports.
Since the beginning of 2026, Brisbane City Council has issued 176,494 parking infringement notices totaling 34,941,602 Australian dollars. Violations were recorded by mobile enforcement vehicles, inspectors patrolling on foot, and fixed cameras.
Cameras operate around the clock
The new cameras, which operate around the clock in areas with the highest number of parking complaints, have resulted in the issuance of just over 8,000 notices this year. The pilot project was launched at four sites in early 2025, and in November the system was expanded to more than 40 locations.
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More than 3,000 notices were issued at just two locations: Graham Street in South Brisbane and Park Road in Milton. The cameras record vehicles illegally stopped in clearways, no-stopping zones, bus zones, loading zones and on yellow road markings.
Police check covered plates
The city council said it is aware of such cases and can send inspectors to check specific situations. However, the council does not have the authority to independently fine drivers for covered or altered license plates, as this is regulated by Queensland state legislation.
Queensland Police said a license plate must be visible from a distance of 20 meters at a 45-degree angle in all directions. Plates obscured by vehicle components, towing devices, additional lights or any materials, as well as faded or illegible plates, are illegal. Police said they regularly check the condition of license plates and issue fines for failure to comply with these requirements.
