By Chantelle Muzanenhamo
THE Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) has ordered a nationwide crackdown on vehicles being driven without registration number plates and those fitted with illegal blue lights, sirens and other unauthorised equipment.
In a press statement dated September 1, 2026, police said they had noted a “disturbing trend” of motorists driving vehicles without registration numbers or plates, while others were installing blue lights, sirens, bar lights, beams and other gadgets not permitted by law.
The police warned that driving a vehicle without number plates or fitting it with unauthorised emergency equipment constitutes a serious offence.
“The Commissioner-General of Police has directed all Police stations, Districts and Provinces to take stern action by effecting arrests and impounding all vehicles with no registration plates and those with illegal blue lights or fittings,” the statement said.
Police said the directive would be implemented across all stations, districts and provinces, with officers instructed to arrest offenders and impound offending vehicles.
The latest warning follows an earlier nationwide enforcement operation targeting plateless vehicles and vehicles fitted with illegal sirens, blue lights, bar lights and beacons.
Police have previously said such equipment is reserved for authorised emergency vehicles.
ZRP spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi said motorists would not be allowed to use excuses to avoid enforcement action.
“No excuses from drivers or motorists will be entertained by police officers,” Nyathi said, as the force moved to strengthen enforcement of road regulations.
The police statement also warned that the misuse of emergency-style equipment could undermine law and order by allowing unauthorised motorists to present themselves as vehicles with special privileges on the roads.
The crackdown comes as authorities continue efforts to address road traffic violations and the use of vehicles without proper identification.
Police had previously said plateless vehicles could be used to evade identification following offences, while illegal lights and sirens can create confusion and pose risks to other road users.
The ZRP has urged motorists to comply with registration and vehicle-equipment requirements to avoid arrest and having their vehicles impounded.
In Beitbridge, the police directive is likely to have significant implications, with driving vehicles without registration plates a common sight in the border town, particularly among newly imported vehicles awaiting registration and the issuance of number plates.
The latest warning puts motorists in the town on notice that vehicles found on the road without the required registration plates could be impounded, while drivers could face arrest as police intensify enforcement of the law.