In October 2022, the national government launched new generation digital number plates with a forgery-impeding typeface (FE-Schrift) smaller than the old font.
Besides looking classy, the new digital number plates had many anti-counterfeit security features that make them difficult to modify.
Unique Letters
The new digital plates have monospaced letters, while the numbers are slightly disproportionate. The National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) picked the letters to prevent easy modification. In this instance, a motorist cannot fix a new number or letter to the digital plate.
Besides preventing modification, the unique letter designs improve machine readability. That means the monospaced letters can easily be read by various machines used by NTSA officials to verify the eligibility of the plates.
Microchips Contained in the Number Plates
Digital number plates were fitted with computer microchips to enhance their security features. The microchips contain data on the vehicle's year of manufacture, place of manufacture, type and colour, transmission type and insurance details.
The microchip technology and several anti-counterfeit features render the digital number plates practically impossible to imitate. The special features include a specially-imprinted national flag, a hologram of the Big Five animals and a watermark.
Each digital number plate has a unique serial number for the front and rear plates linked to the vehicle's chassis number.
During the launch, NTSA argued that the new plates would help traffic police officers access accurate information on the vehicle's colour, engine number and ownership.
Moreover, the digital number plates were touted to tackle forgery, swapping and duplication as they were introduced to curb vehicle theft.
NTSA noted that motorists are required to pay Ksh3,050 to receive the digital plates within seven days.
Motorists should apply for the digital plates through their online portal and follow the due process.
