Angela Normino
The Ministry of Home Affairs has announced a 14-day period for vehicle users to remove 3D plate numbers and decorative embellishments that are not allowed to be placed.
This includes all numbers with black plates and those using chassis numbers, any lights, as well as stickers added according to the preferences of owners or drivers.
This was said on Tuesday by Deputy Minister for Home Affairs, Jumanne Sagini, while speaking at a meeting of the National Road Safety Council.
The minister said that these numbers are neither authorized nor approved by the Tanzania Bureau of Standards (TBS); instead, they are made arbitrarily in the streets with the characters being put on top of valid numbers, making them unreadable at the required distance.
According to TBS standards, the vehicle registration number should be legible from a distance not exceeding 100 meters, a requirement not met by 3D numbers.
In addition, the deputy said that the exercise of removing 3D number plates will also be conducted on government vehicles, and appropriate actions will be taken against those using those cars.
The following are some key concerns .why government discourages drivers from using 3D number plates.
Visibility and Legibility: The three-dimensional design of these plates can sometimes make them harder to read, especially in varying lighting conditions or from a distance. This can impede law enforcement, surveillance cameras, or other drivers from easily identifying the vehicle.
Security Concerns: Non-standard number plates could potentially be used to disguise or alter vehicle identification, which may pose security risks such as aiding in criminal activities like theft, hit-and-runs, or other illegal acts.
Standardization: Governments aim for standardization in vehicle registration plates to ensure uniformity and easy identification of vehicles. Non-standard 3D plates can disrupt this standardization.
Enforcement Challenges: Law enforcement officials may find it more difficult to accurately record and identify vehicles with non-standard plates, leading to challenges in enforcing traffic laws and regulations.
Road Safety: Plates that are difficult to read or identify quickly can contribute to road safety hazards by causing delays in emergency response or hindering the reporting of accidents.
Overall, discouraging the use of 3D number plates helps maintain uniformity, visibility, and compliance with regulations for effective vehicle identification and road safety.
