Zimbabwe police express concern over vehicles without number plates

ZIMSPHERE

HARARE – The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) has expressed concern over the increasing number of vehicles moving in the country without registration plates. Highlighting the necessity for compliance in light of the interests of motorists and overall road safety, the ZRP emphasised that all vehicles should be fitted with permanent registration plates in accordance with the law.

Police concerned over vehicles with no registration plates in Zimbabwe

Commissioner Paul Nyathi

The ZRP advised motorists to be aware of the fact that vehicles with no permanent registration numbers cannot be licensed or insured.

"The Vehicle Registration and Licensing Act, Chapter 13:14 clearly specifies that an acquired vehicle should have a change of ownership effected within two weeks and licensed thereof," police spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi said.

"Such vehicles are not supposed to be driven on the roads until licensed and insured. Unlicensed and uninsured vehicles are a risk to lives and property as innocent people who get injured or lose life during mishaps cannot be compensated in terms of the law."

Nyathis said the police have taken cognisance of some of the vehicles moving on the roads without registration plates being used as "getaway cars by armed robbers and other motorists such as pirate taxis or mushikashika," which violate road regulations and evade tracing.

"The Zimbabwe Republic Police has intensified enforcements on all motor vehicles moving on the roads without permanent registration plates," Nyathi said.

Nyathi further added that any vehicle moving without registration plates will be impounded and only released when it has the registration plates.

"This includes those vehicles which have been imported and are moving with temporary plates. The Police has been assured by the Central Vehicle Registry that they have adequate stock of number plates, therefore there is no excuse for motorists not to register vehicles after importation as stipulated under the Vehicle Registration and Licensing Act, Chapter 13:13," Nyathi concluded.