A compliance plate is a small metal plate (typically about 100mm x 50mm, smaller for motorcycles), which is attached to the vehicle. A compliance plate identifies the vehicle by make, model, date of manufacture and Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)/chassis number. Compliance Plates are permanently affixed to vehicles and usually are fitted in vehicle engine bays, on vehicle door pillars or near the passenger side footwell. On motorcycles they are usually attached to steering heads.

Compliance plates are usually silver although other colours are sometimes used. However, certain colours are reserved for particular purposes.

• A red compliance plate is for a partially completed vehicle (eg chassis-cab)
• A green compliance plate is for a vehicle produced in low volume
• A blue compliance plate is for low volume trailer
• A yellow compliance plate is for a personally imported vehicle.

Although information on a compliance plate may change from time to time, there is one feature which distinguishes it from other plates. That is a statement to the effect that the plate is affixed with the approval of the “Australian Motor Vehicle Certification Board” (AMVCB) or alternatively that the vehicle is “Manufactured to Comply with the Motor Vehicle Standards Act 1989”.

For general use