Ask a lawyer:
Can you be charged for cutting/mutilating your number plate in Kenya?

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M-Wakili's Response

It is illegal to cut or mutilate your number plate in Kenya. This act is considered a violation of the Traffic Act, 2016, which outlines the regulations for vehicle registration and number plates.

The Traffic Act, 2016

The Traffic Act, 2016, specifically addresses the use and maintenance of number plates in Kenya. Section 10 of the Act states that every motor vehicle must be registered and display a number plate issued by the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA).

The Act further outlines the requirements for the number plate, including its size, color, and the font used for the lettering. It also prohibits the use of any number plate that is not issued by the NTSA.

Penalties for Mutilating Number Plates

The Traffic Act, 2016, also outlines the penalties for violating the regulations regarding number plates. Section 11 of the Act states that any person who contravenes or fails to comply with the provisions of Section 10 of the Act is liable to a fine of Ksh300,000 or imprisonment for a term not exceeding one year, or both.

This means that if you are caught driving a vehicle with a mutilated number plate, you could be fined a substantial amount of money or even face imprisonment.

Case Law

There are no specific case laws in Kenya that directly address the issue of mutilating number plates. However, the general principle of law is that any act that violates the Traffic Act, 2016, is punishable by law.

Conclusion

In conclusion, cutting or mutilating your number plate in Kenya is illegal and can result in severe penalties, including a fine of Ksh300,000 or imprisonment for a term not exceeding one year. It is important to ensure that your number plate is in good condition and complies with the regulations outlined in the Traffic Act, 2016.

TLDR

Cutting or mutilating your number plate in Kenya is illegal and can result in a fine of Ksh300,000 or imprisonment for a term not exceeding one year.

Sources:

The Traffic Act, 2016 ↗