Emoji licence plates launch in Australia

HANDOUT - The Australian state of Queensland is becoming the first place in the world to offer drivers personalized licence plates with emojis. Photo: PPQ/dpa

CANBERRA: Boring old numbers and letters not enough for you? Australia is becoming the first country in the world where drivers can personalise their licence plates with emojis. 

Vehicle-owners in the state of Queensland can add emojis to their licence plates from March 1, the Personalised Plates Queensland (PPQ) service said on Feb 20. 

To start, drivers can choose from five kinds of digital icons with heart eyes, sunglasses, laugh-out-loud, winking or classic smiley faces, according to the Queensland Department of Transport contractor. 

And even though they will be displayed on official plates, the emojis will just be for decoration – they won't be part of the car's official registration.  

The white-on-black plates will have a mix of three letters, two numbers and one of the five emojis. The emoji plates will cost Aus$475 (RM1,376).  

"With demand for personalised plates continuing to rise, we knew that we had to give our customers more ways to differentiate themselves when they’re on the roads and let their personalities shine through," says Taylor Clifford from plate manufacturer PPQ. 

"Emojis are an increasingly popular way for people to express their feelings – we are able to use them to respond on social media and in text messages. Why not give people the chance to add a little fun to their plate!" – dpa