Police warn motorists over missing, obscured number plates

The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) has warned motorists against driving vehicles without registration plates or with number plates obscured by bull bars and bumpers, saying offenders will face prosecution under the country's road traffic laws.

In a statement, national police spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi said the force had noted an increasing number of vehicles travelling on Zimbabwe's roads without visible registration plates, making it difficult for authorities to identify them in cases involving criminal activities or road traffic accidents.

"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 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 operating on public roads to display clearly visible registration plates.

The police also expressed concern over motorists fitting bull bars and bumpers that partially or completely conceal vehicle number plates.

"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," Commissioner Nyathi said.

He warned that police would intensify enforcement operations targeting vehicles found in violation of the law.

"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.

The police said visible registration plates are essential for maintaining law and order, assisting criminal investigations and enhancing road safety by enabling authorities to quickly identify vehicles involved in offences or accidents.

Commissioner Nyathi urged motorists to comply with the law and support efforts to improve road safety and combat crime.

"Vehicle owners and drivers are implored to be law-abiding citizens and assist the Zimbabwe Republic Police in promoting road safety and curbing crime in the country," he said.