Number plates often also referred to as registration plates or licence plates are one of the most common features in vehicles.
The special plates - usually fitted at the front and rear part of a vehicle are important as it helps identify the car, country and number plate series.
Given the weighty significance of number plates, the government has over the years increased security features and laws to govern the use of the plates on Kenyan roads.
Notably, it is a legal requirement that all vehicles on Kenyan roads have number plates.
As per the Traffic Act, 2016 - which was revised in 2019 - it is indicated that any motorist found driving a vehicle without a number plate is liable to pay a fine of Ksh300,000 or serve a jail term not exceeding one year.
"A person who contravenes or fails to comply with the provisions of this section commits an offence and is liable on conviction to a fine not exceeding three hundred thousand shillings or imprisonment for a term not exceeding twelve months or both," reads the Act in part.
Additionally, failing to submit a licence plate to the Registrar of Motor Vehicles when a car ceases to be used on the road attracts similar fines.
Another instance where a motorist is required to surrender a number plate back to the government is when an individual relocates the car to another country.
"The Registrar shall, after cancelling the registration certificate returned under subsection 1, issue a deregistration certificate to the registered owner in such form as may be prescribed," reads the act in part.
Additionally, insurance companies have the duty of surrendering the licence plates of cars under certain circumstances.
"If a vehicle is written off by an insurer, the insurer shall forthwith return the registration book and identification plates issued under this Act or the regulations to the Registrar for cancellation."
With respect to the removal of number plates by police officers, the act stipulates that such an action can be undertaken if it is determined that a vehicle is unroadworthy.
"Such order shall remain in force until the repairs specified therein have been satisfactorily completed and the vehicle has been certified as complying with the rules relating to construction, use, equipment and weight."
The use of unauthorised personalised plates also attracts a Ksh500,000 fine. Vehicles that cannot use personalised plates include Public Service Vehicles (PSVs); cargo Trucks (private or for hire); service vehicles (ambulance and funeral hearse); diplomatic vehicles; tractors; and heavy machinery.
The government launched new-look, digital number plates on August 30, with more security features such as a watermark, imprinted national flag, hologram, and unique serial numbers.
Motorists have 18 months to replace their plates with the new model. Those who fail to comply with this rule risk a fine of Ksh20,000
