Kenya Police Service on Tuesday, April 13 issued new directives that would see motorists pay Ksh300,000 in fine or imprisonment for a term not exceeding 12 months or both for number plate offence.
The warning comes at a time when there has been increasing use of what authorities deem as unrecognised and unofficial number plates.
“No motor vehicle or trailer registered under this Act or driven under the authority of a general dealer’s licence shall be used on the road unless there is fixed thereto in the prescribed manner the prescribed number of identification plates of the prescribed design and colour on which is inscribed the identification mark of the general dealer’s licence,” a section of the new directives read.
The Kenya Police Service also noted that where a motor vehicle ceases to be used on the road, the owner shall surrender the identification plates to the Registrar of Motor Vehicles for cancellation.
In addition, motor vehicle owners have been directed to produce their vehicles for inspection immediately to the police or within five days after a police officer makes the request.
“Any person who contravenes or fails to comply with any of the provisions of this part shall be found guilty of an offence and liable on first conviction to a fine not exceeding Ksh10,000 or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding three months and on each subsequent conviction to a fine not exceeding Ksh20,000 or to an imprisonment for a term not exceeding six months or to both,” the statement read.
On Monday, April 12 the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) impounded high-end cars that had registration plates that were not issued by the authority along Langata Road, Nairobi county.
A video on social media showed a black Volkswagen Touareg, a white Mercedes Benz and a white Toyota Land Cruiser parked on the side of the road and with their number plates removed and confiscated.
Initially, the NTSA had issued a statement warning against the use of customised plates that were not of the prescribed design as per section 12(1) of the Traffic Act.
However, motorists have protested the crackdown arguing that the customised plates are issued by NTSA.
“Quick question, why are you impounding new generation registration plates which you have issued and Kenyans pay extra money for? What is the rationale?” KTN News Anchor Ben Kitili asked.
The NTSA also warned drivers who committed road offences which mostly led to accidents.
“We are in receipt of this report. We will take the necessary action. Drivers must be mindful of vulnerable road users. Remember, everyone is a pedestrian,” NTSA warned.
