By Judith Matanire
The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) has announced a nationwide crackdown on motorists driving vehicles without registration plates or with number plates obscured by bull bars and bumpers, warning that offenders will face legal action.
In a press statement seen by ZimCurrent Affairs, the police said it is an offence for any motorist to operate a vehicle that does not display registration plates or has plates that are hidden from view.
The ZRP 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 on Zimbabwe’s roads to have clearly visible registration plates.
According to the police, visible number plates are essential for maintaining law and order as they enable authorities to identify vehicles involved in criminal activities and road traffic accidents.
The police also raised concern over an increasing number of vehicles fitted with bull bars and bumpers that obstruct the visibility of registration plates, making it difficult for law enforcement officers to identify such vehicles when investigating crimes or traffic incidents.
“The Zimbabwe Republic Police will take action against such vehicles and ensure that the country’s laws are enforced without fear or favour,” the statement said.
The ZRP urged motorists to comply with the law by ensuring their vehicles have properly fitted and fully visible registration plates at all times.
The statement was issued by Commissioner P. Nyathi, Chief Staff Officer (Press and Public Relations) to the Commissioner-General of Police.
