ZRP Warns Motorists Against Driving Plateless Vehicles and Obscured Number Plates
Matebeleland Pulse Reporter
The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) has warned motorists against driving vehicles without registration plates or with number plates obscured by bull bars or bumpers, saying such practices are illegal and will attract police action.
In a press statement issued on yesterday, national police spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi said it is an offence for any motorist to drive a vehicle that does not display registration plates on Zimbabwe’s roads.
Commissioner Nyathi said the requirement is provided for under the Vehicle Registration and Licensing Act (Chapter 13:14) and the Road Traffic Act (Chapter 13:11), which require all vehicles using public roads to be fitted with registration plates.
“The Zimbabwe Republic Police reminds Zimbabweans that it is an offence for any motorist to drive a vehicle which does not display registration plates (number plates) on the country’s roads,” said Commissioner Nyathi.
He said registration plates are essential in assisting law enforcement agencies to maintain law and order by enabling the identification of vehicles.
The police also expressed concern over a growing trend in which some motorists fit bull bars and bumpers that block or conceal vehicle registration plates. According to Commissioner Nyathi, obscured number plates make it difficult for authorities to identify vehicles involved in criminal activities and road traffic accidents.
“The Zimbabwe Republic Police has also observed a trend of vehicles which are having registration plates blocked or hidden through some fitted bull bars and bumpers. This makes the identification of these vehicles difficult in case of criminal acts and road traffic accidents,” he said.
Commissioner Nyathi warned that the police will take action against vehicles found operating without visible registration plates or with number plates obstructed by vehicle accessories.
“The Zimbabwe Republic Police will therefore take action on such vehicles and ensure that the country’s laws take effect without fear or favour,” he said.
Commissioner Nyathi also appealed to motorists to support the Zimbabwe Republic Police’s efforts to promote road safety and curb crime by adhering to the country’s traffic laws.
