Edappally: Many motorcyclists and truck drivers are employing clever tricks to evade detection by traffic cameras in Kerala, posing a significant challenge for Motor Vehicle Department officials. Tactics include new-generation bikes with folded or missing number plates, goods trucks equipped with crash guards obscuring their plates, and tipper trucks or Taurus lorries with plates covered in mud. Additionally, many vehicles feature tampered or scratched numbers, further complicating enforcement efforts.

These evasive tactics create significant challenges for officials, especially when vehicles are involved in accidents or caught violating traffic rules. Many times, the cameras cannot identify these vehicles due to hidden or unreadable number plates. While some vehicles do have side plates, they are often obscured by tarpaulins—a common issue with pickup vans as well.

Although violations are frequently recorded by the cameras installed by the Kerala MVD and the police, officials are often unable to identify the vehicle owners or take legal action. Meanwhile, there is the risk of accidents with stopping vehicles abruptly that are violating rules. In many cases, the violators try to evade the law enforcement officials by fleeing, leading to a chase. In order to avoid this, officials often follow these vehicles in civilian clothes and catch them only when they stop somewhere.

If a vehicle without a number plate is caught, the case is directly handed over to the court. Only after the court imposes the penalty will the vehicle be released. Additionally, those tampering with number plates are subject to a fine of up to Rs 5,000. To prevent hit-and-run incidents and other illegal activities, the law mandates that all vehicles must have number plates displayed at both the front and rear, adhering to the prescribed size.