The Internet Reacts to New ‘R Plates’ Introduced on Australian Roads

By Sam Mangioni - News Published: 7 Oct 2022, Last Updated: 29 Oct 2023

If you missed the announcement yesterday, new car plates are launching in Australia to help drivers return to the roads after a traumatic experience or accident. Titled ‘R’ plates or “return plates”, the signs on their cars will apparently tell other drivers to give them space and patience while behind the wheel. Surprisingly, the internet has weighed in on the matter with measured and constructive criticism… Kidding; they tore the idea to shreds, and to be honest, they make a few valid points.

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The plates have been created by MyCar –Kmart’s tyre and auto business – and are available to order or download online for free. The initiative has not been mandated by State Governments’ road authorities but is more similar to the opt-in scheme like Baby On Board signs or Southern Cross stickers for Holden ute drivers.

While we can collectively respect the intentions of this project, the execution has utterly bewildered people.

As a disabled person, for the love of god do not this, I know where this is going https://t.co/uVXRyeYCGC

— John Delmenico (@thebigjohnnyd) October 5, 2022

I don’t anticipate any one mistaking what the R stands for
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— works on contingency (@ohsurehaha) October 5, 2022

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Could they pick literally any other letter

— milk loaf (@maximum_chips) October 5, 2022

“what about F plates”
“nah you know what people will say”
“ok, C plates then”
“…bruh”
“R plates?”
“yep, what could possibly go wrong?”

— atticus binch (@gIenallen) October 5, 2022

Putting the obvious slur aside, R platers will undoubtedly paint a giant target on their cars for further harassment. The idea puts an unrealistic amount of faith in Australian drivers, who abuse each other on the roads daily. It’s a disaster waiting to happen.

i think every comms team needs an edgy millennial on staff so they don’t end up with a galaxy brain idea like “r plates for drivers who require more empathy”

— Kate (@babooshkayay) October 5, 2022

As the above Tweet outlines, it’s truly staggering to think not one person flagged the apparent issues associated with the ‘R’ plates. We are better than this, people.

Sam Mangioni

Sam Mangioni is an experienced content producer and the current Entertainment, Culture & Lifestyle Journalist for Man of Many. With an extensive background in digital content production and news, Sam specialises in delivering timely, accurate and witty assessments of current events. Prior to working for Man of Many, Sam spent three years at Southern Cross Austereo where he served as a Content Producer and News Reporter for the flagship Triple M Breakfast Program. The Sydney-based reporter completed a Bachelor of Commerce from Macquarie University Majoring in Marketing in 2014. Sam's work has also featured in Fight News Australia.

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