HARARE – The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) has launched a nationwide operation targeting vehicles moving on the country’s roads without registration number plates as well as those fitted with illegal sirens, blue lights and other unauthorised gadgets.
In a press statement issued on 10 March 2026, the police confirmed that the crackdown covers all categories of vehicles, including family cars, company vehicles, Government vehicles and public service vehicles.
Authorities say the move comes after a growing trend of motorists deliberately removing registration plates to avoid identification after committing serious offences.
According to the police, some criminals have been using plateless vehicles when committing crimes such as armed robberies, kidnappings and hit-and-run road traffic accidents. Others are reportedly removing plates to evade accountability for traffic violations.
In the statement, police spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi said the practice has become a major threat to public safety and law enforcement efforts. He said:
“The Zimbabwe Republic Police has noted with concern that some motorists are deliberately removing number plates to evade identification after committing offences.”
Nyathi added that some drivers are also using plateless vehicles to escape penalties for traffic offences such as driving against the flow of traffic, ignoring red traffic lights and committing lane violations.
Authorities also raised alarm over the growing misuse of emergency-style equipment on private vehicles.
Police say some motorists are installing illegal sirens, blue lights, bar lights and beacons, devices legally reserved for authorised emergency vehicles such as ambulances, police cars and fire engines. Nyathi said:
“Some vehicles are being fitted with illegal sirens, blue lights and bar lights which are reserved for authorised emergency vehicles. This causes chaos on the roads.”
He also noted that the use of powerful bar lights can disturb the vision of other drivers at night, increasing the risk of accidents.
Under the operation, all plateless vehicles will be impounded immediately and will only be released after proper registration processes have been completed and valid number plates fitted.
Police will also remove illegal sirens, blue lights, beacons and similar devices on the spot, warning motorists that no excuses will be accepted.
Meanwhile, the ZRP has urged the public to ignore a document circulating on social media about the operation, saying it was leaked from a commanders’ meeting and does not represent the official communication channel.
Motorists have been encouraged to cooperate with officers during the operation as authorities intensify efforts to maintain law, order and road safety across Zimbabwe.
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