Custom number plates with rude and offensive messages are slipping through the censors - despite efforts to keep smut off the streets.
Those searching for crass custom regos for their bumpers will find most of the obnoxious ones have already been snapped up by creative Kiwis, while the really offensive
ones are banned.
The Herald on Sunday searched for rude regos on the Personalised Plates website (www.plates.co.nz) to find what quirky combinations are available for car owners.
Plates such as "BALLS", "MURDA", "DICK", "3SOME", "KILLA", "BOOBS", and "GONADS" were already taken. Sneaky combinations such as "FU" and "FU2" had also been snapped up, although the website suggested "I FU2 I" as an alternative.
New Zealand Transport Agency media manager Andy Knackstedt said it was difficult to judge what was offensive, but officials tried to keep the really atrocious plates off the streets. NZTA and Personalised Plates have agreed a set of standards to avoid registrations which are too profane, promote violence, or discriminate against race, religion, sexual origin and disabilities.
"Constantly changing standards in society means that it can be difficult to judge offensiveness," said Knackstedt.
"The NZTA is not able to dictate standards in society and quite often treads a fine line in determining what is offensive and what is not.
"Where personalised plates are issued and later found to be offensive, the law allows us to request the surrender of the plates."
A spokesman for Personalised Plates was unavailable for comment.
Almost 3000 plates are advertised for sale on the website, with many of the more raunchy ones attracting extremely high prices.
The seller of the plate "HORNY" is asking for $11,000, while "B0NK" is available for $10,000, "NASSTY" for $8250 and "ABITCH" for $5500.
The most expensive is $1 million for "V8KIWI" - said to have been autographed by Kiwi motor racing legend Greg Murphy.
Other plates for sale include "SADDAM" ($15,000) and "BARACK" ($25,000).
