Licence plate-flipping devices illegal, says LTA as it warns those caught face fines and/or jail

SINGAPORE – The Land Transport Authority (LTA) has warned the motoring public that it is an offence to use a device which allows drivers to flip their car licence plates, thereby concealing the car’s actual registration number.

The devices

drew attention in Malaysia last week following a government clampdown.

When installed on a vehicle, these devices can conceal or switch a vehicle’s registration number using a remote control, enabling drivers to bypass law enforcement systems.

In response to queries from The Straits Times, the LTA said it is aware of the devices and conducts regular checks on vehicle licence plates as part of ongoing enforcement against display of false plates.

It said: “While we have not identified any such cases in Singapore, we will take decisive enforcement action against any violator.”

It added that vehicle owners are required to display the licence plate issued to their registered vehicles prominently at all times.

“False licence plates evade detection and hamper efforts to track vehicles involved in traffic violations, accidents and crimes. Anyone found displaying false licence plates may face a fine of up to $5,000 and/or a jail sentence of up to 12 months,” it said.

Checks by ST on Sept 16 found e-commerce platforms like Lazada offering the device for between $48 and $145.

In one advertisement, the device was promoted as being able to flip within 1.5 seconds using a remote control from a distance of about 50m to “meet (motorists’) urgent needs”.

Some of the listings were removed when ST checked again on Sept 22. ST has contacted Lazada for more information.

In Malaysia, 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.

“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.

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, thereby undermining traffic enforcement systems.

“Such devices are mainly used by those attempting to evade identification by traffic enforcement systems,” he said. “They include drivers who attempt to evade speed-checking systems, red-light camera detection and toll regimes.”