DRTSS warns against unregistered vehicles

Directorate of Road Traffic and Safety Services (DRTSS) has warned against usage of unregistered number plates and vehicles saying it is a violation of the Road Traffic Act.

In a press statement released on Tuesday, the Directorate highlighted that the illegal operation of unregistered vehicles is a punishable offense.

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“Section 11(2) of the Road Traffic Act (1997) states: No person shall operate on a public road any motor vehicle which is not registered and licensed. Additionally, Regulation 19(11) of the Road Traffic (Registration and Licensing) Regulations (2000) requires the immediate affixing of registration plates on the vehicle upon registration,” the statement reads.

The Directorate says vehicles without authorized registration plates or with unauthorized plates will be imposed with appropriate fines for owners and operators.

It has emphasized that unregistered vehicles pose a serious safety and security hazard, necessitating effective traffic safety management.

The Directorate has, therefore, urged all vehicle owners to ensure their vehicles are properly registered and that valid number plates are securely affixed to the front and rear of their vehicles at all times.

Chairperson for Blantyre Minibus Association, Cosmas Kamoto, told Malawi News Agency (MANA) on Wednesday that many vehicles remain unregistered due to challenges at the Directorate.

“Indeed, many minibuses are not registered because we are often told of netwwork challenges at the Directorate which prevents us from being assisted. This has been a persistent issue and a significant barrier for vehicle owners attempting to register their vehicles,” Kamoto said.

He said minibus owners are looking forward to more efficient and broader communication from the Directorate regarding licenses and registration.

He, therefore, urged minibus owners to proceed with registering their vehicles, emphasizing that it is against the laws of Malawi to operate an unregistered vehicle.