RTD cracks down on 'peanut-sized' and fancy number plates

 

RTD officers conducting a check along Jalan Ampang in Kuala Lumpur. -NSTP/AIZUDDIN SAAD

KUALA LUMPUR: The Road Transport Department (RTD) is stepping up enforcement against illegible number plates, including those described as "peanut-sized", as the trend gains popularity among motorcyclists.

RTD senior enforcement director Datuk Muhammad Kifli Ma Hassan said offences involving fake, fancy and extreme registration numbers are now being dealt with more strictly under Section 108 of the Road Transport Act 1987.

"RTD has taken action against fake, fancy and extreme registration numbers that can cause confusion.

"These cases will be brought to court, with minimum fines of RM5,000 and maximum fines of up to RM10,000," he said at a press conference after an RTD operation along Jalan Ampang here.

During the operation, several motorcycles fitted with extreme fancy number plates that could mislead enforcement authorities were seized.

Some motorcyclists, when questioned, admitted they used the tiny plates for fun and were unaware of the heavy penalties involved.

Kifli said the department would take firm action to curb the trend.

"We have obtained advice and approval from the deputy public prosecutor to act under Section 108.

"I want to remind everyone that based on a case prosecuted in Kajang last week involving extreme fancy plates, fines have already been imposed.

"This is a new enforcement approach as we have found that many motorcycles and cars are using extreme registration numbers that can confuse enforcement agencies," he said. - NST