Violations of state number plates are on the rise on Chennai roads

Reckless behaviour: Many riders of such vehicles are seen breaking several traffic rules, including driving on the wrong side. | Photo credit: SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT

Chennai’s roads are increasingly witnessing two-wheelers, cars and even cars plying without the most basic identifier: the number plate.

In some cases, the names or symbols of political parties are painted on the vehicles. Many drivers, especially young people, break the rules on such vehicles by driving on the wrong side of the road and entering one-way streets and roads in the wrong direction.

Commuters in Vandalur Road, T. Nagar, Nungambakkam, Anna Nagar and Mogappiar, to whom The Hind spoke, said that vehicle checks are not frequent and that the traffic police do not monitor violations on a daily basis.

“Traffic police should crack down on such offences. Routine checks should be carried out not only during peak hours but throughout the day and night. If someone commits a crime and flees in a vehicle without a proper number plate, how can the crime branch or investigating officers trace that vehicle?” asked Sudarshan, who regularly commutes via Vandalur.

A traffic police officer in T. Nagar said the police regularly check vehicles and fine those found without proper registration numbers. However, when caught, motorists often make the excuse that the vehicle is new and that they will soon have the license plate affixed. Some claim that the vehicle was old and that they were taking it in for license plate repair. “Most of them are college students and young boys,” he said.

Another traffic policeman pointed out that such vehicles are often able to avoid checks during rush hour and late evening when traffic is heavy. Deploying more police officers to key locations could help curb the practice, he suggested.

A senior city traffic police official said complaints of speeding, stunts, unauthorized parking of vehicles and driving vehicles without registration plates are regularly fined through social media.

“Already at several places, based on complaints of erratic driving, teams of traffic officials conducted surprise road checks at several important junctions across the city and fined nearly two lakh violators in the first week of September,” said a police officer.

Published – 02 Oct 2026 0:38 IST