What began as an ordinary afternoon at a shopping center in Perth quickly turned into a viral online moment — all because of a parked Kia Sportage with an unusual license plate. At first glance, the plate, which read “370HSSV,” appeared to be nothing more than a standard mix of numbers and letters. Shoppers walking past the vehicle likely thought little of it, seeing it as just another car in a busy parking lot.
The situation changed when a photo of the plate was shared on the popular Facebook page The Bell Tower Times 2.0. Posted by a user named Jeffrey, the image quickly caught the attention of followers. At first, many viewers were puzzled about what made the plate special. Comments began to appear as users tried to figure out why the seemingly random sequence had been posted in the first place.
The clever twist became clear when someone suggested flipping the image upside down. Viewed from that angle, the characters formed a cheeky hidden word, transforming the ordinary plate into a lighthearted internet joke. The discovery sparked thousands of reactions, with users expressing amusement at the subtle visual trick. Many praised the creativity behind the sequence, while others admitted they would never have noticed the hidden meaning without seeing the flipped version.
The viral moment also prompted broader discussion about personalized license plate approval processes. In Western Australia, transport authorities reportedly review and reject hundreds of applications each year if combinations appear inappropriate or offensive. Yet this particular sequence managed to pass through official checks, whether by coincidence or careful design. The story highlights how simple visual illusions can sometimes slip past review systems, and how quickly social media can amplify everyday discoveries. What started as a parked car in a suburban lot became a global talking point — proof that even the smallest details can capture widespread attention in the digital age.
