A Lexus seen recently in Milton with only a silver crown on its black number plate caused some confusion. The unusual plate is the legal and official license plate assigned for the use of Queensland’s Governor, Dr Jeannette Young.
Local Sighting Sparks Questions
The sight of the distinctive Lexus without standard letters or numbers caught a motorist’s attention as they drove through the inner Brisbane suburb of Milton earlier this week. The driver captured an image using their dashcam and shared it online, asking fellow Queenslanders if such a number plate was permitted on the roads.
The query prompted discussion and some lighthearted jokes online, with one person humorously suggesting it belonged to the “Queen of Brisbane,” while others correctly identified its official nature.
Plate Confirmed as Governor’s Official Symbol
Community members commenting online confirmed that the number plate displaying only a crown is reserved for the Governor of Queensland. Several users pointed out that this specific plate signifies the official vehicle used by Dr Jeannette Young. One commenter noted the car was spotted on Fernberg Road, where the Governor’s official residence is.
Meaning Behind the Crown
The crown emblem is not just decorative; it holds significant meaning. It shows the Governor’s position as the monarch’s representative in Queensland. This plate type is part of a long tradition in Australia, where symbols denote high office. Like royal symbols on official documents or uniforms, the crown on the number plate is a clear mark of governmental authority and status.
Security, Protocol, and Official Vehicles
Using these exclusive plates helps with security arrangements and formal procedures, especially during state functions or official events. Online contributors familiar with protocol added context, explaining that official flags are usually mounted on the front bumper when the governor is travelling in the car.
For formal ceremonies, the Governor’s car is typically escorted by three police motorcycles. On less formal trips, an unmarked police vehicle often accompanies the Governor’s car for discreet security. The online discussion also mentioned that while the Lexus is likely the Governor’s daily transport, a Rolls Royce is kept for ceremonial duties, though both may carry the crown plate.
Exclusive Plates Mark Official Status
Unlike personalised plates, these special crown plates are not available for purchase by the general public. They are considered part of Queensland’s state heritage and administrative identity.
This practice isn’t unique to Queensland; other states, like Victoria where a similar BMW SUV with a crown plate was seen earlier this year, also reserve special plates for their Governors. The system ensures that vehicles carrying high-ranking officials representing the Crown are easily identifiable for protocol and security reasons.
Published Date 16-April-2025