Personalized license plates have long been a way for drivers to express their personality, make a statement, or just stand out on the road. But every now and then, one comes along that’s so clever, it stops people in their tracks—and recently, that’s exactly what happened in Perth, Australia. A simple Kia Sportage parked at a local shopping center became an unexpected viral sensation, all thanks to a license plate that carried a cheeky hidden message, visible only to those with a keen eye—or a good sense of humor.
The plate in question reads “370HSSV.” At first glance, it seems like a random combination of letters and numbers, the kind you’d barely notice on your way through the parking lot. But Facebook user Jeffrey spotted something special and posted a photo to The Bell Tower Times 2.0, a popular community page known for its humorous and offbeat content. That’s when the fun really began.
When you flip the plate upside down, “370HSSV” suddenly reveals a word that had people laughing out loud—“ahe,” a cheeky representation of a crude term for a body part. It’s a visual trick that relies on the way certain letters and numbers resemble others when inverted. The number “3” becomes an “E,” “7” turns into an “L,” “0” is still an “O,” and so on. While not immediately offensive, the cleverness of the illusion is what made it so effective—and so viral.
Social media users quickly flooded the comments, amazed at how such a bold and humorous message managed to get past the official screening process. Many applauded the car owner’s creativity, calling the plate “genius,” “cheeky,” and “brilliantly subtle.” In an internet age where humor often comes from unexpected places, the license plate stood out as a perfect example of how even everyday things can carry hidden layers of entertainment.
The story got even more intriguing when people began to question how the plate was approved in the first place. In Western Australia, personalized license plates are reviewed by a strict panel overseen by the Department of Transport. Each application is carefully evaluated for appropriateness, and the system is known for rejecting anything deemed offensive, vulgar, or suggestive of illegal behavior. In fact, in just the past year alone, nearly 1,000 plate applications were denied in the region. Among the rejected entries were phrases like “SAUC3D,” “RAMP4GE,” “F4K3 T4XI,” and “BUYAGRAM”—all turned down for either being too racy or too closely associated with unlawful activity.
Yet somehow, “370HSSV” managed to slip through the cracks. Whether by oversight or because the message required flipping to decipher, the plate was officially approved and issued. That approval only adds to the allure of the story—how did it sneak past the watchdogs? Was it an intentional loophole, or just an impressive example of visual trickery that escaped notice?
The viral post has since ignited a broader conversation about custom license plates and their role in modern car culture. While some use them to proudly display their name, nickname, or favorite hobby, others opt for humor or inside jokes. It’s clear that many drivers enjoy pushing the boundaries, trying to see what they can get past the review board. And this particular case proves that sometimes, they succeed.
This incident also sheds light on the unpredictability of internet culture. A parked car, a flipped image, and a sharp-eyed bystander combined to create a moment of collective amusement shared by thousands online. It’s a reminder that sometimes the most mundane things—like a license plate—can spark widespread laughter and curiosity when looked at from a different angle. Literally.
Whether the owner of the Kia Sportage intended to go viral or not, their cleverly crafted license plate has certainly left its mark. It’s become a symbol of creativity, humor, and the power of a well-executed visual pun. As the post continues to circulate, it’s likely more people will be scrutinizing license plates a little more closely, wondering what secret messages might be hiding in plain sight.
At the end of the day, it’s harmless fun—but it also raises an interesting point about how humor and originality can still find their way into the most regulated parts of everyday life. The “370HSSV” plate might just be the perfect blend of subtlety, rebellion, and cleverness that makes us all smile when we need it most.
