Patna: Authorities in Bihar have launched a statewide crackdown on vehicles running with tampered or concealed number plates, with the transport department imposing fines on more than 1,200 vehicles since January 2026. Officials say the campaign aims to strengthen road safety and prevent criminals from exploiting altered registration plates to evade identification.
According to departmental data, the highest number of violations has been reported from Patna, where action has been taken against 411 vehicles so far. The transport department has directed officials across all districts to intensify inspections and take strict action against vehicles found violating number plate rules.
Officials said that if a vehicle is found with a modified or illegal number plate, authorities will first seize the vehicle and then initiate legal proceedings under the Motor Vehicles Act. The department emphasised that tampering with number plates is not merely a traffic violation but also a serious concern for law enforcement.
Authorities noted that in several criminal cases, vehicles used by offenders often carry unclear or altered number plates, making it difficult for police to track them through road checkpoints or CCTV cameras. In many such incidents, the vehicles were also found to be missing High Security Registration Plates (HSRP), which are designed to make identification easier and prevent manipulation.
Investigations have revealed that some motorists intentionally hide digits on number plates using tape, stickers or paper, while others install plates that are poorly designed or handwritten, both of which are illegal under motor vehicle regulations. In some cases, drivers have placed stickers or posters over legally installed high security plates, making them difficult to read by surveillance cameras.
The transport department estimates that more than two million older vehicles in Bihar still do not have high security number plates installed, despite regulations requiring vehicles registered before April 1, 2019 to upgrade to the secure plates. In addition, around 39,000 vehicle owners have already obtained HSRP but have not yet installed them on their vehicles.
Officials have instructed district authorities to conduct regular inspection drives and identify vehicles without high security number plates. The department said that stricter enforcement will continue in the coming weeks to ensure compliance and improve vehicle identification systems across the state.
Appealing to motorists, the transport department urged vehicle owners to install high security number plates and avoid any modification or obstruction. Failure to comply could result in fines, vehicle seizure and further legal action, officials said, adding that stronger enforcement will also help law enforcement agencies track vehicles involved in criminal activities more effectively.
