DIY License Plates? Nice Try, Mate

You’ve got to admire the creativity — but maybe not the execution. Over in sunny California, a driver was pulled over after an eagle-eyed Highway Patrol officer spotted something a little off about their license plate.

Turns out, the plate wasn’t just a bit off… it was hand-drawn. Yep — the driver had grabbed the markers and sketched up their very own California plate, complete with numbers, letters, and even a fake registration sticker. Picasso meets the DMV.

When questioned, the driver said they’d simply “lost the original.” Fair enough — we’ve all misplaced something in the car before (that rogue takeaway chip under the seat, anyone?). But instead of popping by the DMV for replacements, this motorist decided to channel their inner art teacher and DIY the problem.

The California Highway Patrol posted the photo online, giving them “points for creativity” — which, let’s be honest, is cop talk for nice try, champ.

🚗 What If This Happened in Wānaka?

Imagine the scene on Brownston Street: a local rolling up with a hand-drawn plate that says “WAN4KA 123.” You just know someone at the New World carpark would spot it, snap a pic, and it’d be all over the Wānaka Community Board page within an hour — complete with comments like “at least they used the right font!”

And let’s be real — if you’re going to fake a plate around here, you’d better add a cheeky Lake Hāwea sticker or a dusty Mt Iron decal to really sell it.

🖍️ The Moral of the Story

If your plates go missing, maybe skip the art supplies and head to the NZ Transport Agency instead. The cops might enjoy your creativity, but your wallet won’t enjoy the fine.

So next time you’re tempted to grab a vivid and go freestyle — just remember: in Wānaka, we’re all for creative locals, but maybe not on the rego plate.