Rawalpindi traffic police have launched a strict crackdown on vehicles with ‘applied for’ and fake number plates, warning owners of fines and impoundment.
Why ‘Applied For’ Number Plates Are a Problem
Many vehicle owners in Pakistan drive with ‘applied for’ plates while they wait for official registration. Some people also use fancy or non-standard plates to make their vehicle stand out. However, these practices create serious issues for law enforcement and public safety. Without a proper number plate, it becomes difficult to identify a vehicle involved in crime, accidents or traffic violations. It also makes it harder to track stolen vehicles and enforce fines. For these reasons, traffic authorities across the country have been tightening action against numberless and fake plates, and Rawalpindi has now joined this stricter approach.
Details of the Crackdown in Rawalpindi
According to the Rawalpindi City Traffic Police, special checking points have been set up at the main entry and exit routes of the city, as well as busy intersections and commercial areas. Dedicated enforcement teams are stopping vehicles and motorcycles that display ‘applied for’ plates, no plates at all, or plates that do not match the approved design and font. During the current month alone, traffic police have issued 1,755 challans to such vehicles. This shows that the campaign is not symbolic; it is an active, on-ground operation aimed at changing driver behaviour. The message from traffic police is simple: if your vehicle is on the road, it must have a legal, readable and properly fixed number plate.
Vehicles With ‘Applied For’ Plates to Be Impounded
Chief Traffic Officer Farhan Aslam has directed officers to go beyond issuing simple tickets. Under the new instructions, vehicles found with ‘applied for’ plates can be impounded on the spot. Owners will only be able to take their vehicles back after completing the registration process and installing proper number plates issued by the excise department. The CTO has also ordered strict legal action against those using counterfeit or fabricated plates, stating that a number plate is the legal identity of a vehicle and hiding it is a direct violation of the law. This tougher stance is meant to discourage drivers from delaying registration or trying to hide behind temporary plates for months or even years.
What Motorists in Rawalpindi Should Do Now
For vehicle owners in Rawalpindi, the safest option is to complete registration as early as possible and ensure that the official number plate is installed according to the prescribed specifications. This includes using the approved size, font and placement, and avoiding fancy designs, tinted covers or plates with extra text and graphics. Motorists should also keep copies of their registration papers with them, so they can show proof if stopped at a checking point. Those who are currently driving with ‘applied for’ or dealer plates should treat this crackdown as a final warning and get their legal plates without delay. Otherwise, they risk fines, impoundment and unnecessary hassle. In the long run, following the law not only saves money but also supports safer roads and stronger security for everyone in the city.
