Personalized license plates have always been a fun way for car owners to showcase their creativity, but every now and then, one comes along that takes the internet by storm. That’s exactly what happened when an innocent-looking plate on a Kia Sportage in a Perth shopping center revealed a hidden message—but only when flipped upside down.
Social media users couldn’t get enough of it. Some laughed at the cleverness, others wondered how it got past strict licensing approvals, and many shared their own favorite plate sightings. But what exactly made this one so special? Let’s break it down.
The License Plate That Tricked Everyone
The now-famous plate read: “370HSSV”. At first glance, it seemed like a random string of numbers and letters—nothing out of the ordinary. But when turned upside down, it hilariously spelled out a well-known word that had everyone talking.
The viral image was first posted by Facebook user Jeffrey on The Bell Tower Times 2.0 page, where it quickly gained traction. Thousands of social media users liked, shared, and commented, praising the driver’s creativity. The clever play on numbers and letters sparked conversations about other memorable plates people had seen over the years.
But beyond the humor, this plate also highlighted a loophole in the system—how did this slip past officials when so many others were rejected?
Video: Funny And Creative License Plates
The Strict Rules for Personalized Plates
Not everyone gets their custom license plate approved. Government transport departments carefully review applications to ensure that plates aren’t offensive, misleading, or promoting illegal activities.
In Western Australia alone, nearly 1,000 applications were rejected last year. Some of the rejected plates included:
- SAUC3D – Possibly implying something suggestive
- RAMP4GE – Hinting at reckless behavior
- F4K3 T4XI – Referencing a well-known internet trend
- BUYAGRAM – Likely rejected for drug-related implications
The review panel is tasked with catching anything inappropriate, yet the “370HSSV” plate somehow made it through. This only added to the internet’s fascination—how did the owner manage to sneak a joke past the approval process?
Why People Love Clever License Plates
Personalized plates have been around for decades, giving car owners a way to express themselves. Some plates reference names, hobbies, or professions, while others go for funny or hidden messages that take a second look to decipher.
1. The Appeal of Hidden Messages
Plates like “370HSSV” are especially entertaining because they aren’t immediately obvious. The hidden nature of the joke makes the discovery even more satisfying, and that’s why social media went wild for it.
2. The Challenge of Getting One Approved
Knowing that thousands of plate requests are rejected each year makes it even more exciting when someone manages to outsmart the system. People love an underdog story, and this driver’s success added to the intrigue.
3. Social Media’s Role in Making Plates Go Viral
Platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and Reddit turn everyday discoveries into viral moments. A license plate that might have gone unnoticed 20 years ago can now rack up millions of views in a matter of hours, sparking discussions, memes, and even copycat attempts.
Other Famous License Plates That Have Gone Viral
The 370HSSV plate isn’t the first to gain internet fame. Over the years, several custom plates have drawn attention for their humor, cleverness, or controversy.
1. “ILOVETOFU” (I Love Tofu or I Love to F U?)
A seemingly innocent tribute to tofu got attention when some people read an alternative meaning.
2. “X32IIR” (Reads “RIIE23X” in the mirror)
This plate played with reflection, only revealing its true message when seen in a mirror.
3. “3M TA3” (Spell it backward and you’ll see why it’s funny)
This one snuck through the approval process in several states before being recalled.
These examples prove that people love a good puzzle, especially when it’s sitting on the back of a car.
The Psychology Behind Custom License Plates
Why do people invest in personalized plates? While some just want a unique identifier, others see it as a way to express their personality, humor, or even social status.
1. The Desire to Stand Out
A custom plate makes a car memorable, turning an ordinary vehicle into something people notice and remember.
2. The Fun of Playing With Words
Many plates involve creative use of letters, numbers, and spacing to form words or phrases. Some even incorporate different languages, pop culture references, or inside jokes.
3. A Sense of Achievement
For those who manage to trick the approval system, there’s a sense of victory. They’ve created something clever that not only got approved but also entertained thousands of people.
Will the 370HSSV Plate Get Recalled?
With all the attention this plate has received, there’s a chance transport officials might step in. Some viral plates have been recalled in the past after complaints or reconsideration by authorities.
However, since this plate doesn’t contain explicit content at first glance, it might continue to slip under the radar. The owner may have pulled off one of the greatest license plate pranks in recent memory.
Final Thoughts: A License Plate That Left the Internet Laughing
In a world where viral content comes and goes, a well-placed joke on a license plate can still capture people’s imagination. Whether it was pure luck, careful planning, or a loophole in the system, the 370HSSV plate will go down as one of the most creative hidden messages ever seen on a vehicle.
As more people look for clever ways to personalize their cars, one thing is certain—this won’t be the last time a license plate makes headlines. Who knows? The next viral plate could be parked right next to you.
