Are Your Car Stickers Illegal In Australia?
Whether you are driving around your neighbourhood, checking off your daily errands or a holiday road trip around Australia, we should always do our best to follow the rules. Aside from the basics of strapping our seatbelts, signalling before turning and stopping at red lights, the way we style our vehicles also have rules to abide by.
That includes car stickers, car decals and car wraps which will be covered in this article. The word ‘rules’ may sound a little authoritative but these rules or laws are placed to ensure everyone has a safe experience on the road.
The difference between stickers and decals
Windshield stickers or windscreen stickers are smaller in size, easily applied, removed and reused without any hassle or residue on your glass. Now, you may have heard of car decals which are similar to windshield stickers but are usually larger and pasted on the car’s exterior for decoration purposes.
Types of car stickers
Car stickers or decals vary in shapes, style and type. These are various removable car stickers available to choose from:
- Vinyl Stickers
This is the most popular choice when it comes to car stickers or decals. They are strong due to its permanent adhesive that can be easily adapted to any surface and withstand various weather conditions.
- Printed Stickers
Classic, traditional stickers we have come to know and love since young. These are either images or words, sometimes both, on wax paper backed by a protective backing. They come in a huge variety of shapes, colours and sizes that can be easily customisable to your liking.
- Bumper Stickers
Yet another classic, bumper stickers go way back for many car lovers and enthusiasts out there. Bumper stickers can be for either decorative or indicative.
- Transfer Stickers
This is one, if not the only most common form of car decal used by many. These stickers made from vinyl and transparent backing will permanently decorate your car without the distraction of a background. They could also be used as car window decals or car back window stickers.
- Static Clings
Similar to vinyl stickers, static stickers are actually temporary. You could paste up a sticker in the morning and pull it down to paste another one back up in the afternoon. For some of us who wish to switch up their car stickers from time to time, this might just be an option for you.
How to put stickers on cars?
Most would think pasting stickers or car decals on your vehicle is the same as sticking a regular sticker onto any surface. However, as these stickers may be used to indicate or decorate your car, it is best to place them carefully on the right areas. Follow these 6 steps to help you properly place either your car sticker or car decal:
- Firstly, make sure your vehicle is dry and without removing the protective layer at the back, hold the sticker against your vehicle. This allows you to get an idea of how it will look once you have pasted it and assess whether this position or placement is the best fit.
- Using a masking tape in little pieces, mark your desired spot. Masking tape is ideal in this case as it would not leave a mark or any sort of damage to your vehicle.
- Be sure that your designated area is clean and dry before pasting the sticker. You can do so by using a gentle cleaner and soft cloth to rub the surface. Not too much as you may accidentally soak the masking tape.
- Before removing the protective backing of your sticker, be very aware of its size. If the sticker is too big, you might have trouble placing it in on go whereas removing it a portion at a time as you paste along ensures a clean outlook. Just slowly unpeel more of the backing as you paste and keep a steady hand.
- Be patient and wait for about 10-15 minutes to remove the top transfer tape off. You will find that waiting allows it to peel off easier and faster.
- Now, grab something thin and flat such as a credit card to rid of the bubbles. Know that it is normal to have bubbles below the sticker and all you have to do is smooth them over towards the end using the card.
Windscreen sticker laws in Australia
Of course, when it comes to inappropriate car decals and rude car stickers, those are definitely not allowed and you will be risked a fine with them. Apart from that, there are two other windscreen sticker laws you should be aware of:
- Visibility should not be obstructed
For the safety of yourself and other drivers on the road, make sure your stickers do not obstruct your line of vision. That includes your windshield, side mirrors and back windows. Stickers that obscure your vision in any way or form such as them being reflective, flashing or distracting are strictly illegal.
- Bumper stickers are not legal IF …
- It obstructs your own or other driver’s vision and concentration
- It is a non-authorised sticker on the licence plate
- It is of obscene, rude or inappropriate
Is it illegal to block your rear window in Australia?
Yes, by law, having a clear view of the road both ahead and back ensures a safe driving experience for both you and others on the road. Whether you have items dangling from your rear window, windshield banner or stickers obscuring your sight, you will be fined.
Is car wrapping legal in Australia?
Yes, however the rules and laws vary across each state or municipal councils in Australia. Generally, as long as the car wrap does not cover any of the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), registration label and manufacturing details, wrapping your car is perfectly legal.
Ultimately, car wraps are to protect your vehicle from varying weather and any external conditions such as UV rays and scratches. Additionally, car wraps can improve the fuel efficiency of your car by 15% and increase resale value. If you wish to advertise a brand in any way, car wraps are an affordable way to do so. Unfortunately, car wraps do have their downsides too. They can be difficult to remove and not all vehicles are suitable for such styling.
Where can you get more information?
From your favourite anime car stickers to even a sticker of your pet, stickers and decals are great ways of expressing your personality onto your car or a cost-effective way of advertising. Just be sure to stick by the rules when pasting them on to avoid trouble for yourself and your vehicle. If you have any doubts or wish to clarify further on stickers for your car, be it car window stickers or car side stickers, why not reach out to Dean’s Autoglass?
Contact us at Dean’s Autoglass for a professional opinion and our guidance on car stickers and decals here in Perth, Australia. We will be able to assist you in repairs, customer service and consultations.