Bangalore Drivers Sport Fancy Number Plates

Authorities in Bangalore, India, have expressed concern over a growing trend regarding registration plates. Motorists in the city are altering the appearance of their number plates meaning that, in many cases, they are becoming indecipherable.

The Motor Vehicles Act states a strict set of rules regarding the display of vehicle registration plates. One of the most common alterations to plates is the use of fonts other than Arial Black, which is the only font permitted. Drivers' car registrations are currently sporting all sorts of fancy lettering on plates of all shapes and sizes. As a result, police are having trouble controlling this trend.

It is believed that the changes made to plates are mostly done through lack of awareness of the rules on the driver's part. Commissioner of traffic and road safety, KC Ramamurthy, said: "People don't know the existing rules and regulations for registration and number plates." He went on to say that many motorists are taken advantage of by manufacturers who emphasise style to market number plates. Customers who are unaware of the rules often fall for this.

In a recent investigation, the three largest personalised number plates suppliers in the city were visited. All three flouted the rules and sold unlawful plates to members of the public, even though the shop owners were well aware of the city's rules. Sellers particularly emphasise scripted fonts and kannada numerals, which are extremely difficult to read. This is of particular concern as plates need to be clear in the event of crime or accidents. These plates cost a mere 300 INR(£3.50).

Although the fine for sporting unlawful plates has already trebled (is now 300 INR), this has done little to stop the increase. Bangalore police now hope to join forces with the Regional Transport Department and come up with a scheme to clamp down more heavily on offenders.

KC Ramamurthy has also stressed the importance of issuing a pamphlet, detailing the rules and regulations governing the display of vehicle registration numbers, to drivers during registration.

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