Car plate flipping device sold online in Malaysia
Safety experts in Malaysia are sounding the alarm over car plate flipping devices being sold online.
The gadgets, which allow drivers to hide or alter their vehicle plates with the push of a button, may sound like something out of a movie. But experts stress they are anything but harmless.
Source: Car Buzz
Listed on e-commerce platform in Malaysia from S$46
A cursory search by MS News found such devices sold for between RM150 (S$46) and RM320 (S$98) on Malaysian e-commerce platforms.
The listings state that the items are shipped from Mainland China.
There are two types of these devices — one uses a built-in motor to rotate the car plates on demand, while the other uses a shutter to conceal the original car plate completely.
Source: The Star
Similar devices were also found on an e-commerce platform in Singapore.
LTA says that they are ‘aware of this device and conduct regular checks’
In response to media enquiries from MS News, they said that they know of the existence of these car plate flipping devices but no cases have been identified in Singapore so far.
“We are aware of this device and conduct regular checks on licence plates as part of our ongoing enforcement against display of false licence plates,” an LTA spokesperson said.
“Displaying false licence plates constitutes an offence, and while we have not identified any such cases in Singapore, we will take decisive enforcement action against any violator.”
Source: Mindtrip website
Expert say they’re designed to ‘conceal’ driver’s identity
Assoc Prof Dr Law Teik Hua from Universiti Putra Malaysia told The Star that the devices are mainly used to “evade identification by traffic enforcement systems”.
“They are designed to conceal a driver’s identity and evade responsibility,” he said. The device also undermines traffic enforcement systems such as speed cameras, red-light detectors, and toll regimes.
He warned that such devices could:
- Increase cases of reckless driving, as well as accidents
- Obstruct investigations into serious crimes
- Undermine public confidence in road safety rules
He said that some people may buy them out of novelty. But their main purpose is “to evade accountability when driving”.
Source: Car Buzz
Safety experts call for clampdown
Transport consultant Wan Agyl Wan Hassan agreed that outlawing the devices is not enough — stopping online sales is key.
Wan Agyl stressed that the real issue isn’t policy — such devices are already prohibited under Malaysian law. Rather, the concern lies in how criminals might exploit them.
Federal Traffic Investigation and Enforcement Department (JSPT) director Mohd Yusri Hassan Basri explained the penalties.
He said motorists caught with such devices installed on their vehicles can face stern action under the Road Transport Act, The Star reported.
Convicted offenders face jail time of up to a year, a fine of up to RM5,000 (S$1,530), or both.
“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.”
Source: Land Transport Authority – We Keep Your World Moving on Facebook. Pic for illustrative purposes only
Meanwhile in Singapore, an LTA spokesperson told MS News that anyone found displaying false licence plates may face a fine of up to $5,000, a jail sentence of up to twelve months, or both.
“Vehicle owners are required to display the licence plate issued to their registered vehicles prominently at all times,” the spokesperosn said.
“False licence plates evade detection and hampers efforts to track vehicles involved in traffic violations, accidents and crimes.”
Also read: Woman Blocks Car At JB Checkpoint, Removes Licence Plate & Throws It At Windscreen
Woman Blocks Car At JB Checkpoint, Removes Licence Plate & Throws It At Windscreen
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