- Police warn fines up to Rs. 25,000
The Police have announced that vehicles fitted with number plates that do not comply with prescribed standards will be taken into custody and produced before court, warning of fines ranging from Rs. 15,000 to Rs. 25,000 for offenders.
Deputy Inspector General of Police (Traffic Control and Road Safety) W.P.J. Senadheera, speaking at a press conference yesterday (16), said that legal action will be initiated against vehicles using number plates that fail to meet required specifications.
He noted that while there had been delays in issuing number plates for new vehicles in recent months, the issue is expected to be resolved within the next few weeks. The Department of Motor Traffic (DMT) has already informed vehicle owners of the correct specifications and proper installation procedures.
According to the prescribed standards, the front number plate must display black letters and numbers on a white background, while the rear plate must display black letters and numbers on a yellow background.
Police also pointed to a rise in vehicles operating with modified number plates in various colours and formats, stressing that such alterations hinder vehicle identification, particularly in cases involving accidents or criminal activity.
Senadheera further warned that strict legal action will be taken against vehicles emitting excessive black smoke on public roads. He said that Police have received multiple complaints regarding such vehicles and noted that air pollution remains a serious global concern, contributing to nearly one million deaths annually.
To address the issue, authorities will work in collaboration with DMT inspectors to identify offending vehicles, take them into custody, and proceed with legal action. The public has been urged to report vehicles emitting excessive smoke via a dedicated WhatsApp number, 0703500525, by sending the vehicle number or a video clip. Based on the information received, DMT inspectors will take further action.
Meanwhile, Police reported a total of 42 road traffic accidents across the island between 10 April and Wednesday (15), resulting in 44 fatalities. Of these, 19 accidents and 19 deaths were recorded during the festive period from Monday (13) to Wednesday (15).
An analysis by vehicle type showed that motorcycles accounted for the highest number of accidents, with 16 incidents. The remaining cases involved four three-wheelers, four vans, two motor cars, two cab trucks, two bicycles, and one hit-and-run.
Senadheera noted that during the corresponding festive period last year, there were 25 accidents and 26 fatalities, indicating a reduction in both accidents and deaths this year. He added that driving under the influence of alcohol has been identified as the primary contributing factor in these accidents.