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| Number Plate Masking | | | Number plate masking is emerging as yet another challenge. By resorting to this practice vehicle owners deliberately alter or obscure their registration plates to evade detection by CCTV cameras at traffic signals.
The primary motive of number plate masking is simple, i.e. to dodge e-challans and escape accountability for violations.
Number plate masking, as per Section 192 (1) of the Motor Vehicles Act (MVA), is a serious offence, punishable by a fine of up to Rs 5,000. Despite the clear legal deterrent, offenders continue to employ various means to mask their vehicle numbers.
Some use stickers to alter digits, others cover parts of the plate with tape, and some go as far as smudging plates with dirt. While these methods may seem inconsequential, they obstruct law enforcement’s ability to identify offenders and uphold traffic discipline. By escaping fines and penalties for violations like speeding, red-light jumping, and unauthorized parking, these drivers pose an increased risk to other road users, creating a climate of lawlessness and recklessness.
The rise of this violation challenges the very essence of efforts to establish a transparent and effective traffic enforcement system. The e-challan mechanism, introduced to promote accountability and reduce the need for manual policing, is compromised if violators can evade detection so easily. Such practices not only render the e-challan system ineffective but also erode public confidence in the ability of authorities to enforce the law impartially.
Many people may not realize the gravity of number plate masking or the legal consequences tied to it. Campaigns through media, social platforms, and public service announcements can help educate the public on the fines and the ethical responsibilities associated with road safety.
However, awareness alone may not suffice. Advanced technology must be employed to address this challenge. High-definition cameras with license plate recognition technology can capture even partially masked plates, reducing offenders’ chances of evasion. The adoption of artificial intelligence-based surveillance can also assist in flagging suspicious patterns and alerting traffic authorities to potentially masked number plates in real-time.
Random checks by traffic police, too, could serve as a deterrent. Officers could be trained to spot and apprehend vehicles with obscured or altered plates, with stricter fines levied against repeat offenders.
Ultimately, road safety depends on the adherence to rules by all citizens. Number plate masking may seem a minor offense to some, but its consequences affect everyone. When drivers evade accountability, they not only violate the law but also endanger others. |
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