Hyderabad fake number plates: Traffic Police register criminal cases, seize vehicles in crackdown
HYDERABAD: Motorists using fake, tampered or fancy vehicle registration plates in Hyderabad could now face criminal prosecution instead of merely paying a traffic challan.
The Hyderabad Traffic Police launched a city-wide crackdown after receiving a surge in complaints about illegal registration plates. During the past week, officers registered five criminal cases and seized multiple vehicles as part of a zero-tolerance enforcement drive.
Five criminal cases registered across Hyderabad
Police said several vehicle owners allegedly used fake or tampered registration plates to hide vehicle identities, evade traffic enforcement and violate provisions of the Motor Vehicles Act and other applicable laws.
Officers registered the five cases in the jurisdictions of Tappachabutra, IS Sadan, Tolichowki, Abids and Malakpet police stations. They also seized multiple vehicles involved in the violations.
Only HSRP number plates are legally valid
The Hyderabad Traffic Police said motorists must use only government-approved High-Security Registration Plates (HSRP).
Officials warned that altering a registration plate in any way is illegal. This includes changing fonts, removing digits, adding decorative designs, using temporary stickers or making any unauthorised customisation. Such violations can now attract criminal prosecution.
Therefore, police urged all vehicle owners to install only approved HSRP number plates and follow the prescribed regulations.
Crackdown to improve enforcement and crime detection
The Traffic Police reiterated their zero-tolerance policy against fake or manipulated registration plates. They warned that offenders would face criminal cases and immediate seizure of their vehicles.
According to police, fake registration plates weaken traffic enforcement and make crime detection more difficult because they conceal the identity of vehicles involved in offences.
Meanwhile, the special enforcement drive will continue across Hyderabad in a sustained and systematic manner. Officials said the campaign aims to improve road safety, strengthen compliance with traffic laws and support investigations involving unidentified vehicles.
Finally, the Traffic Police appealed to citizens to follow registration plate rules strictly and report vehicles using fake or tampered number plates. They said public cooperation would help improve road safety and strengthen law enforcement across the city.
