ZRP Warns Motorists Over Plateless Vehicles and Obscured Number Plates

By Southerton Business Times | Harare

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 risk prosecution as police tighten enforcement to improve road safety and combat crime.

In a statement, the police reminded motorists that it is an offence under the Vehicle Registration and Licensing Act [Chapter 13:14] and the Road Traffic Act [Chapter 13:11] to operate a vehicle on a public road without clearly displaying its registration plates. The warning comes as authorities intensify efforts to curb criminal activity involving unidentifiable vehicles and strengthen road traffic law enforcement across Zimbabwe.

ZRP: Registration Plates Must Be Clearly Visible

According to the police, every vehicle travelling on Zimbabwe's public roads must display visible registration plates to allow easy identification by law enforcement agencies. The ZRP said properly displayed number plates are essential for investigating road traffic accidents, tracking stolen vehicles and identifying suspects involved in criminal activities.

"All vehicles must have visible registration plates to enable authorities to identify them and help maintain law and order," the police said.

Bull Bars and Bumpers Under Police Spotlight

The police also expressed concern over the increasing number of vehicles fitted with bull bars and aftermarket bumpers that partially or completely cover registration plates. According to the ZRP, the modifications make it difficult for police and other authorities to identify vehicles captured on surveillance cameras or witnessed at crime scenes.

"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," the statement reads.

Police said obscured number plates undermine investigations and reduce the effectiveness of crime prevention efforts.

Motorists Face Legal Action

The ZRP warned that motorists found driving vehicles without number plates or with obscured registration plates will face enforcement action in terms of Zimbabwe's road traffic laws. Police urged motorists to inspect their vehicles and ensure registration plates remain clean, securely fitted and fully visible at all times. The warning follows recent nationwide police operations targeting plateless vehicles, unauthorised blue lights and other traffic offences as authorities seek to improve compliance with road safety regulations.

The ZRP appealed to motorists to cooperate with law enforcement by adhering to vehicle registration requirements, saying compliance plays a key role in promoting road safety, assisting criminal investigations and maintaining public security.

ZRP plateless vehicles