Video: Melbourne driver attempts to dodge tolls with number plate cover

A driver has been filmed appearing to use an illegal number plate cover on a busy toll road in Melbourne's inner city.

Video captured on Melbourne's Monash Freeway on the morning of 1 February 2024 shows a burgundy ute hiding its number plate with an automated cover while travelling under toll gates.

Similar devices are available to purchase online for $US178.49 ($AU270), allowing drivers to periodically raise and lower a number plate "curtain" in a matter of seconds, using a remote control.

The footage, which was shared with 3AW radio host Jacqui Felgate, has divided social media users, with some joking they would "take two", while others pointed out the device could prove problematic if the driver was in an accident.

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According to Victoria Police, the practice is illegal under infringement code 8386, which prohibits the "use of vehicle where a number plate is not affixed and displayed in accordance with regulations".

The penalty for committing this offence in Victoria is currently three demerit points and a $385 fine.

Drive understands there are about 480 CCTV cameras along Melbourne's CityLink toll roads to manage traffic flow and road safety and any suspicious activity captured on these cameras can be referred to Victoria Police.

CityLink is currently Australia's most expensive toll road, costing passenger vehicles a maximum of $11.27 for a single uninterrupted trip, while light commercial vehicles like dual-cab utes could be charged up to $18.04 for a single trip. 

However, if you're conducting multiple trips along CityLink in a day, you could pay up to $21.63 for a 24-hour pass for a car, or $46.90 for a light commercial vehicle.