Personalised number plates

I was in far north Queensland recently, driving behind a red Nissan sports car (370z coupe or similar) with the licence plate number DRBOBS. I’ll admit it, I jumped to all sorts of conclusions about the type of person that is - Dr Bob. I couldn’t see him, only the back of his car. All I knew about Dr Bob that could be based in fact was his choice of car and his personalised number plate that told all and sundry he was a doctor. So here’s my theory on Dr Bob…

He’s in his late 40s, or maybe just turned 50. He’s a plastic surgeon. Or a cardiologist. He’s losing or has lost some of his hair. He has a need to prove his worth to others. He likes nice cars.

The car is nice and I have no issue with his ride. I would drive one if I got it for free. Not that I couldn’t buy it if I rearranged my priorities. It’s just not a priority of mine to drive a red Nissan sports car. However, there are some things I wouldn’t own, even if they were free. Close to the top of that list is a personalised number plate.

Now, I could legitimately drive around with a number plate that says DRKIMS. Nine years of university certainly says I’ve earned the right. But would I? Absolutely not. Why? Do I really have to explain it? Even Dr Bob has to admit that a licence plate number like DRBOBS doesn’t project a flattering image of the good doctor.

But it’s not even the unbecoming representation that a personalised number plate can project that worries me. Some personalised number plates are totally inert. But really, who wants to be so easily identifiable?

I like a little mystery… and that involves a number plate that’s not so easily identified by my friends, acquaintances and those who vaguely know of me. Maybe my car is parked outside the party shop while I organise a surprise event for a friend who happens to be driving past at the time. Or maybe my car is parked at the local Breast Screen clinic which perhaps I'd like to keep private. Or maybe I want to stalk an ex-boyfriend’s new girlfriend at her place of work. Hypothetically.

Dr Bob can’t go anywhere without those he knows and those he doesn’t know, knowing his every move. That’s just not cricket. But then, Dr Bob does want to be noticed. I guess that’s the point of his choice of car and licence plate. Maybe he’s a podiatrist.

☺

Kim x