Deputy Inspector General of Police in charge of Traffic Control and Road Safety, W.P.J. Seneviratne stated that vehicles cannot legally be driven using altered or unauthorised number plates even in situations where official registration plates have not yet been issued.
However, he noted that vehicle owners are permitted to display the registration number on an A4-sized printed sheet in accordance with guidelines issued by the Department of Motor Traffic.
The Department of Motor Traffic had suspended the issuance of vehicle number plates for nearly ten months due to the absence of a supplier. Reports indicate that around 400,000 number plates have been affected by the delay.
Authorities further stated that the issuance of official number plates is expected to resume on or before June 10.
Meanwhile, motorists have raised concerns regarding fines being imposed on vehicles displaying unofficial number plates during the period of delay.
Responding to those concerns, police clarified that legal action may still be taken against motorists using number plates that do not comply with approved standards and regulations.
