Drive on against motorbikes with missing, tampered number plates

Action against cars with windows and windscreens shaded in dark colours too on the cards

The Motor Vehicles Department (MVD) has stepped up the enforcement drive against new-generation motorbikes and other two-wheelers without registration number plates or with tampered number plates. Crimes committed by youth riding such vehicles have become commonplace in the city and its suburbs.

“Considering the gravity of the situation, we have begun referring such cases to the court, since most riders do this on purpose to get away after committing crimes or to evade law-enforcing agencies,” said G. Anandakrishnan, Enforcement RTO (Ernakulam). “This is on a directive from the Transport Secretary. Youth involved in chain snatching, narcotic drug peddling, and other crimes know it is difficult to track them down if their vehicles’ identity is concealed,” he added.

Even if they are intercepted as part of regular enforcement drives, they either speed away or cite excuses like the number plate got detached earlier. They would carry the plate with them as proof in most instances. Even worse, many of these riders do not have driving licence either. Once apprehended, the vehicle is handed over to the nearest police station and the case referred to the court. It takes minimum of one month for the owner to get the vehicle back, while the rider’s licence can be suspended, Mr. Anandakrishnan said.