By: Ilyasa Baa
The Ministry of Internal Affairs (MIA) has issued a strong warning to owners of vehicles and drivers to desist from covering their number plates while using the road.
In a press release dated 19th June 2023, the Ministry refers to the act as being illegal and an offence as enshrined in the Road Traffic Act passed in 2007. The use of covered number plates has far-reaching safety and security implications that authorities are not going to be entertained as it is mandatory for vehicles’ number plates to be conspicuously displayed at all times while driving”, the release states.
The Ministry refers to the illegal act as rampant and continues unabated by members of the public who have been taking the law into their hands plying the streets with their registration numbers covered completely.
The Sierra Leone Police (SLP) has been ordered to take full action against defaulters by arresting and prosecuting them according to the provisions of the law.
Meanwhile, the Ministry of Internal Affairs further advises all Ministers, Deputy Ministers and other Departments and Agencies who use customized number plates on their vehicles should contact the Sierra Leone Roads Safety Authority (SLRSA).