Illegal plate-flipping devices sold online in Malaysia, aid rogue motorists in evading law

PETALING JAYA – A deceptive new device, widely available on popular e-commerce platforms, enables rogue motorists and fleeing criminals to “disguise” themselves at the push of a button.

When installed on a vehicle, the number plate flipper can instantly conceal or swop a vehicle’s registration number with a remote control.

Checks showed that at least three popular e-commerce websites are offering the device for between RM150 (S$45) and RM350.

The devices sold by China-based sellers come in two variations.

In a demo video on an e­­-commerce website, one model uses a built-in motor to rotate the original registration plate into a false number on demand.

Ano­ther version lo­­wers a blank panel or shutter to conceal the origi­nal number plate completely.

At least a dozen sellers are advertising these devices on the platforms. The devices are made of metal and plastic, can withstand all weather and are installed in under 10 minutes.

In one advertisement, the device is promoted as a means of safeguarding vehicle registration plates against damage from weather conditions or rough road surfaces.

However, the seller concludes the posting by stating that, in addition to providing physical protection, the device also offers “enhanced security and privacy”.

“With the flip feature, you can conveniently hide or reveal your car licence plate whenever necessary, adding an extra layer of security and peace of mind,” the page read.

In a separate e-commerce platform, the device is advertised as “licence plate covers to avoid camera tickets”.

The flippers are sold with their accessories, which include installation and power cables, control units and usage indicators.

Federal Traffic Investigation and Enforcement Department director Mohd Yusri Hassan Basri said motorists caught with such devi­ces installed on their vehicles can face stern action under the Road Transport Act.

He said it is an offence to display a registration number other than the approved number issued for a vehicle.

He said that it is also an offence to display a vehicle registration plate in a misleading manner or one that is false under Section 108 of the Act.

Datuk Seri Mohd Yusri said offenders face jail time of up to a year or a fine of up to RM5,000, or both, if convicted.

“We will impound any vehicle found with such a device fitted. The owner will also be issued a fine and face court action in accordance with the law.

“We will intensify enforcement and mount special operations to identify those who may have this device fitted on their vehicle,” he told The Star.

He said the police will hold discussions with the Domestic Trade and Costs of Living and Digital ministries on the sale of such devices.

Criminologist A. Thaiveegan said the sale of such devices should be looked into seriously, as it undermines enforcement on traffic offenders and hampers the pursuit of criminals by police.

“The necessary amendments should be made to the relevant laws to outlaw the import, local production, storage and installation of the device,” the former Penang police chief added.

Experts caution against using such devices

Safety experts have called for online platforms to stop selling plate-flipping devi­ces and for enforcement to be stepped up.

Associate Professor Law Teik Hua of Universiti Putra Malaysia said such devices must be prohibited, as they are designed to conceal a driver’s identity and evade responsibility, undermining traffic enforcement systems.

“Such devices are mainly used by those attempting to evade identification by traffic enforcement systems.

“They include drivers who attempt to evade speed-checking systems, red-light camera detection and toll regimes,” he said.

“The prohibition of both the sale and use of such devices would constitute a meaningful pre-emptive measure for secu­ring public safety as well as upholding the law,” he added.

Prof Law said that while some may purchase these pro­ducts out of novelty, their primary use remains to “conceal one’s identity and evade accountability when driving”.

He also said the sale and use of plate-flipping devices can have wide-ranging repercussions.

“Traffic enforcement systems, such as cameras used to check speed, red lights and tolls, will be severely compromised, enabling offences that are less likely to be detected,” he said.

Beyond financial losses from unpaid tolls and forfeited penalties, he cautioned that dangerous driving practices could rise, leading to more accidents.

“Such devices might also obstruct the investigation of more serious crimes, posing further challenges to law enforcement agencies.

“Widespread use will certainly compromise confidence in traffic regulations being conducted fairly and responsibly, leading to reduced general compliance with the law,” he pointed out.

Transport consultant Wan Agyl Wan Hassan said the problem is not just about outlawing such devices, but also about halting their availability online.

“The Road Transport Act 1987 and (Road Transport Department) regulations make it an offence to obscure, alter or tamper with a registration plate.

“Using a flipping device falls squarely under this. Offenders face fines of up to RM3,000 or even imprisonment. So the issue is not whether to ban, but how to stop sales and strengthen enforcement,” he said.

He said the devices pre­sent serious risks, as criminals could commit theft, smuggling or hit-and-run accidents “and vanish at the push of a button”.

“Traffic enforcement will collapse if drivers can hide from cameras and tolls, making roads more dangerous.

“Public trust in the rule of law would erode if some drivers get away scot-free compared with those who follow the rules,” he said, adding that operators and govern­ment agencies stand to lose millions in unpaid tolls, summonses and fees.

Mr Wan Agyl said the devices are openly available on popular online shopping platforms, despite consumer regulations.

“Under the Consumer Protec­tion (Electronic Trade Transac­tion) Regulations 2024 and the Online Safety Bill, platforms are obliged to remove prohibited products once flagged,” he said.

“The authorities can and should hold them accountable. If platforms can take down counterfeit goods, they can also remove plate-flipping devices.”

Road Safety Marshal Club presi­dent K. Bala emphasised the dangers posed to public safety and the potential impact on emergency responses.

“Number plates are used to identify a vehicle in the event of an emergency. During emergencies, the authorities can identify whom the vehicle belongs to and contact the family members,” he said.

He said plate-flipping devices can cause the innocent to become victims, as their number plates may be used on a different vehicle.

“They may receive fines or, worse, be targeted by police for crimes they did not commit,” he added.

He said the use of false or altered number plates has long been a concern, and readily available plate-flipping devices are making matters worse. THE STAR/ ASIA NEWS NETWORK