R plates

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

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.

You’ll also love:
2023 Alfa Romeo Tonale Hybrid Review: Enough to Disrupt?
Disney Cruise Line is Finally Sailing to Australia & New Zealand
Suntory’s -196 Adds a New Flavour to the Pre-Mixed Party Down Under

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.

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.

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.

You’ll also love:
2023 Alfa Romeo Tonale Hybrid Review: Enough to Disrupt?
Disney Cruise Line is Finally Sailing to Australia & New Zealand
Suntory’s -196 Adds a New Flavour to the Pre-Mixed Party Down Under


Featured Video from Man of Many

Sam Mangioni
Journalist - Entertainment, Culture & Lifestyle

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.