TAPI Cracks Down on 3D Number Plates Before Deadline Expires. Tanzanian traffic police have launched a rigorous crackdown on vehicles with 3D registration number plates following the expiration of the removal deadline on Friday, March 15, 2024. The law enforcement authorities had previously issued a two-week grace period for the voluntary removal of these plates, which they have declared illegal.

The Enforcement Begins

Mr. Ramadhani Nga’nzi, the Head of the Traffic Police Unit, announced that the grace period had concluded and that the police would begin a comprehensive enforcement campaign. “Starting today,” he declared, “we will begin a crackdown that will target both manufacturers of the number plates and those who continue to defy the order. They will also face a fine of Sh30,000 for the offense.”

Reasons for the Ban 3D Number Plates

The primary concerns leading to the ban on 3D plates are related to their legitimacy and security. According to Mr. Nga’nzi, the 3D plates are unauthorized by the registrar of motor vehicles, and agents are not allowed to issue them. These plates fail to meet the required quality standards, which the traditional 2D plates adhere to.

Deputy Minister for Home Affairs, Mr. Jumanne Sagini, elaborated that 3D plates are manufactured by agents not recognized by the Tanzania Bureau of Standards (TBS). He noted that the size of the letters on 3D plates makes them difficult to read from a distance of at least 100 meters, further justifying the crackdown.

Public Reaction To Crack Down on 3D Number Plates

The crackdown has elicited mixed reactions from the public. Some drivers appreciate the enforcement effort, seeing it as a step towards standardization and security. However, others have expressed frustration over the abrupt enforcement.

An anonymous driver from Dar es Salaam, who had just returned from an upcountry trip, voiced his discontent: “I just returned from upcountry yesterday and was getting out of home today to face such a crackdown,” he lamented. He found the timing to be rushed and unreasonable.

Similarly, ride-hailing driver Mr. Fadhil Mohamed, who received a fine, felt that the police should have offered a more extended compliance period. “This is just unfair,” he argued. “Some of us are given a car with these plates but yet we are fined. We should have been given an additional month or two.”

Conclusion

The enforcement of the ban on 3D number plates by Tanzanian traffic police marks a significant move towards maintaining standardized vehicle registration practices in the country. While the authorities emphasize the importance of security and standardization, the mixed reactions from the public highlight the challenges in implementing such measures abruptly. The situation underscores the need for a balanced approach that considers both regulatory compliance and public convenience.