By Tapiwa Chawagarira
THE Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) have issued a stern warning to motorists driving vehicles without registration plates or those fitted with unauthorised blue lights, sirens, and other illegal fittings, stating that offenders will face arrest and have their vehicles impounded.
The warning comes amid growing concerns about motorists who continue to operate vehicles without number plates, while others are allegedly installing equipment reserved for authorised vehicles, potentially causing confusion and undermining law enforcement operations.
In a statement issued yesterday, the ZRP said it had noted a “disturbing trend” of motorists driving vehicles without registration numbers or plates on the country’s roads, in apparent disregard for the law.
The police also raised concerns about the use of blue lights, sirens, bar lights, beams, and other unauthorised gadgets fitted to vehicles.
According to the police, such practices pose a threat to the maintenance of law and order, particularly when motorists use equipment that may give the impression they are operating official or emergency vehicles.
“It is a serious offence for any motorist or individual to drive vehicles without number plates in the country, or to fit blue lights and other gadgets on vehicles that are not permitted,” said the ZRP.
This warning has been supported by a directive from the Commissioner-General of Police, ordering police stations, districts, and provinces to intensify enforcement against motorists violating the regulations.
Police officers have been directed to arrest offenders and impound vehicles found operating without registration plates or those fitted with illegal blue lights and other unauthorised fittings.
The police said that officers would not accept excuses from motorists, signalling a tougher approach to enforcing vehicle registration and road-use regulations.
The latest directive puts motorists with unregistered or improperly equipped vehicles on notice as police move to strengthen compliance and maintain order on the country’s roads.
The statement was issued by Commissioner P. Nyathi, Chief Staff Officer (Press and Public Relations) to the Commissioner-General of Police at Police General Headquarters.
