Breaking News: Punjab Cracks Down on Fake Number Plates
If your bike or car has a fake, copied or covered number plate, now is the time to fix it. The Punjab Safe Cities Authority (PSCA) has started a province-wide fake number plates crackdown, using smart cameras in 43 Safe Cities, including Lahore.
The move applies to all vehicles, which includes motorcycles, scooties and electric bikes. Here is what the authority is doing, what the rules are and how honest owners can stay safe.
What Is the Fake Number Plates Crackdown?
The PSCA says it has a zero-tolerance policy against fake, cloned and tampered number plates. Vehicles that hide their registration number, or use a number that belongs to another vehicle, are now being traced through the Safe City network.
A PSCA spokesperson said several suspicious vehicles have already been caught in Lahore and other cities after alerts from the system. Legal action, including registration of cases, is underway against the people involved.
Fake plates are often used by people involved in street crimes, traffic violations or to avoid e-challans. When a criminal copies your number, the challan or police notice may come to you instead. That is why this action also protects honest vehicle owners.
How Safe City Cameras Catch Fake Plates
The Safe City cameras read number plates automatically. When a plate looks suspicious, the system sends an instant alert to the control room. Staff then inform the nearest police team to stop the vehicle.
What the System Checks
- Plates that are fake or do not match official records.
- Cloned plates, where one number is used on two vehicles.
- Plates covered with tape, cloth or other objects.
- Plates that are damaged or changed to hide numbers.
The same cameras are already used for e-challans for signal violations and over-speeding. Adding plate checks makes the system stronger and harder to cheat.
Which Cities Are Covered?
The crackdown covers 43 smart Safe Cities across Punjab. Lahore is the biggest, but other major cities in the province are also part of the network. This means riders in most large towns can be tracked by the system.
Motorcycle riders should take extra care, because bikes make up the largest share of vehicles in Punjab. Many riders use old, broken or hand-painted plates, which may now be flagged by the cameras.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Authority | Punjab Safe Cities Authority (PSCA) |
| Coverage | 43 smart Safe Cities, including Lahore |
| Target | Fake, cloned and tampered number plates |
| Action | Vehicle stopped, case registered |
| Helpline | Police Helpline 15 |
5 Tips to Avoid Trouble in the Fake Number Plates Crackdown
- Use only original, approved number plates that match your registration papers.
- Never cover your plate with tape, cloth, stickers or a bag.
- Replace a broken or faded plate as soon as possible.
- If someone else is using your number, report it at Police Helpline 15.
- Keep your vehicle registration in Punjab up to date, including for new e-bikes.
These simple steps protect you from fines and also help police catch criminals who use fake plates.
If you have bought a second-hand bike, check that the number on the plate matches the registration book and the chassis number. Buying a vehicle with a cloned number plate can land an innocent buyer in serious trouble.
Advice for New E-Bike and Scooty Owners
Many people are buying electric bikes under government schemes. Once you get your bike, make sure it is registered and has a proper plate before riding on main roads. Read about the PM electric bike scheme, the eligibility criteria and the documents required. Our guides on how to apply and PAVE registration explain the process.
Planning to buy? Compare the electric bike price in Pakistan, see the electric scooter and scooty prices and use the subsidy calculator. Traffic authorities have been strict lately, as seen in the Rawalpindi action on smoky vehicles.
This news was first reported by ProPakistani.
Also Read: Govt Says No to 18% IMF Tax on Electric Vehicles | New Car Levy Spares Bikes, Scooters and Rickshaws | Petrol Goes Up Again, Here Is How E-Bike Riders Save | Islamabad Changes Two Feeder Bus Routes
Frequently Asked Questions
Who started the fake number plates crackdown in Punjab?
The Punjab Safe Cities Authority (PSCA) launched the crackdown with help from police teams across the province.
How many cities are covered?
The crackdown covers 43 smart Safe Cities in Punjab, including Lahore.
Is covering a number plate with tape or cloth illegal?
Yes. The system also flags plates hidden by tape, cloth or other objects, and such vehicles can face legal action.
What should I do if someone uses my vehicle number?
The PSCA advises citizens to report unauthorized use of their registration number by calling Police Helpline 15.
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