Motorists whose vehicle carries a District series number plate will soon be able to convert it to an optional plate.
In a statement, the Department of Transport said there were 131 District number plate prefixes in WA, from Wyndham (WY) in the north to Albany (A) in the State’s south.
The Department said a number of metropolitan areas, including Kwinana (KWN), Mandurah (MH) and Rockingham (RO), also had their own prefix.
“Each prefix indicates the area or Shire where the plate originated and these have been issued to local residents in numeric order for more than 50 years,” it said.
“This long history means many people with District plates have a strong affinity with their plate combination, with some having been in families for generations.”
The Department said that, over the years, there had been strong interest from the community to preserve plate combinations for future generations.
“As a result, from 6 December, we will be offering people who currently have eligible District series number plates the choice to convert to an optional plate with the right to display and trade, for a fee of $175,” it said.
“This means the plate holder owns the combination and can sell it.
“It will also mean the plate can be replaced if lost or stolen.”
Minister for Transport, Rita Saffioti said District number plates had long been a source of great pride and history for many Western Australians.
“We have listened to our customers in introducing this option and I am confident it will be welcomed by many people eager to enjoy the benefits of an optional plate, while retaining their District plate combination,” Ms Saffioti said.
“This is great news and I hope communities continue to display their District plates with pride,” she said.
