A set of unusual number plates spotted on an Australian road have left social media users scratching their heads.

Sharing on Reddit, one passing motorist posted an image of the Toyota FJ Cruiser which had a licence plate not typically seen on local cars.

“What’s with this plate? The plate on the front was the same but white,” the Reddit user wrote.

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The image — taken of the rear of the car — showed that the 4WD had a bright yellow number plate with thick, letters and numbers which read “CP991”.

While some were stumped by the odd plates, many were quick to reveal the surprising explanation.

“Car is imported from Honkers (Hong Kong) and has HK registration. It is perfectly legal to drive in Australia,” one wrote.

The Reddit user shared this image of the car with unusual plates. Credit: Reddit

“When a foreign car is imported to drive, it must also display an oval code as well as the foreign number plate. Australian cars can be exported to drive outside of Australia, but must display an AUS oval as well as the number plate.”

Another added: “And before anyone asks, yes it’s legal to import a car to Australia temporarily and drive it on the plates from its original destination – think driving holiday. It’s not cost effective but.”

Further investigation shows that the car belongs to a Hong Kong driver who’s become a social media sensation.

Jacky Mok – whose Instagram handle is @nomadhongkongcar – is currently taking his car on a world tour, travelling to more than 29 countries since 2021.

The car belongs to a Hong Kong driver who’s travelling around the world in his car. Credit: nomadhongkongcar/TikTok

“Been following this mad lad for a while. Apparently a few HKers have driven around globally, including to Europe via China,” said one Reddit user.

Another wrote: “It is a Hong Kong plate, I saw this guy on Facebook. He is driving around the world in this car. Dream life.”

One more added: “It’s from Hong Kong , it’s a couple tripping around Oz. I met them in Tassie.”

News of the driver’s travels inspired others to want to do the same.

“I hope to drive the Kingswood around the world one day,” another Reddit user responded.

The social media user is currently driving around Australia. Credit: nomadhongkongcar/TikTok