The Land Transport Authority is warning all vehicle owners, car show organisers and number plate vendors not to use illegal number plates and unauthorised customised plates.
This is following a video circulating on social media where a fake government vehicle number plate GQ434 was used while participating in a car show.
The LTA is reminding people that they are the sole legal authority in Fiji, responsible for the issuance and affixing of vehicle registration number plates.
The Authority has been made aware of recent instances where individuals and businesses are manufacturing and selling customised number plates, including those mimicking Government-issued registration plates, and affixing them to vehicles for private use, including display at car shows.
LTA Chief Executive Officer, Irimaia Rokosawa says the practice of placing unauthorised number plates on vehicles poses a serious threat to public safety and breaches the law.
Rokosawa says it has come to their attention that some vehicle owners have fitted number plates that have not been approved or issued by LTA, including Government registration plates impersonated for display purposes at car shows.
He stressed that while car shows are intended to display vehicle modifications and aesthetics, impersonating official Government registration, even in a temporary or decorative capacity, is strictly prohibited.
The CEO says no one is permitted to produce or display a number plate that imitates an official Government number, regardless of the setting.
He says vehicle owners found in breach of the law will be issued a fine of $100, and in other cases, the LTA may seize the vehicle for the removal of unauthorised number plates.
The Authority is also investigating businesses that are currently advertising and supplying personalised number plates without the LTA's authorisation.
They are calling on these vendors to cease this illegal practice immediately.
