Brisbane Emoji Number Plates: 'Max' experience of being noticed or way of happiness?

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02:15

Fans of emojis might want to consider moving to the Australian state of Queensland. The Queensland government has rolled out a world-first program allowing people to add an emoji to their license plates. Greg Navarro explains.

For some people, the plate on the front of their vehicles has become more than a random sequence of numbers and letters. It's a way to "max" their chances of being noticed, by adding a person touch to a normally impersonal piece of metal.

PASSER-BY "It's just something that we wanted so that when we are driving around town everyone knows who we are."

Now the state of Queensland is giving personalised plate proponents a chance to go where no driver has gone before with an emoji.

PASSER-BY "It's the way of the future and a lot of the young ones love that sort of thing."

There are 5 choices which Personalised Plate Queensland describes as smiley face, heart eyes, sunglasses face, laugh out loud and winking face.

PASSER-BY "Yeah I did wonder if there were going to be any inappropriate options."

The department stresses that they won't be used for identification - but rather as a way to quote "brighten up the roads."

PASSER-BY "It does sound like a lot of fun."

Whether an emoji helps to defuse a tense experience for some remains to be seen.

PASSER-BY "No I don't think it would work, probably make it a bit worse - probably make fun of you."

And not everyone we talked to thought putting a big round face on the front of their car was a good idea.

PASSER-BY "Not for me, definitely not for me."

PASSER-BY "No."

GREG NAVARRO BRISBANE "The chance to stand out in a crowd while behind the wheel here in Queensland comes at a cost - starting at about $475 AUD."

That price tag has only strengthened the resolve of skeptics.

PASSER-BY "You are kidding, wow, what a waste of money."

Supporters say you're "never too old" to add a bit of flair as a way of "thriving" in traffic. Others don't simply don't see the benefit.

COUPLE "What for? We smile a lot anyway we've just been married 40 years."

GREG NAVARRO BRISBANE "Proving that happiness can be found just about anywhere and now in Queensland - you can put a smile on the front of your car. Greg Navarro, CGTN, Brisbane."