The Delhi Traffic Police has booked more than 16,800 people for defective number plates so far this year, up by 286 per cent from the corresponding period of last year from January 1 to June 5.

According to a senior officer of the Delhi Traffic Police, 16,859 people were booked for defective number plates between January 1 and June 5 this year while the figure was at 4,363 in the corresponding period of 2023. This represents a notable surge of nearly 286 per cent in prosecutions compared to the previous year with the offences in 2024 increased by 12,496.

"In the current year, the Delhi Traffic Police have intensified their crackdown on vehicles with defective number plates. This surge in prosecution is part of a broader effort to enhance road safety and enforce compliance with traffic regulations," a statement by the Delhi Traffic Police stated.

The traffic police department said it has intensified the crackdown on vehicles with defective number plates and the initiative has led to a significant increase in the number of penalties imposed.

A senior official said that these defective number plates, which include those that are illegible, improperly formatted or do not conform to the prescribed standards, have been identified as a major issue contributing to traffic violations and security concerns. Special drives and checkpoints have been established across the city, with a particular focus on high-traffic areas and entry-exit points, police said.

The Delhi Traffic Police has also undertaken a thorough analysis of the top 10 traffic circles with the highest number of challans issued for defective number plates in 2024. The maximum number of violations were found in Mayur Vihar which reported 926 such incidents, followed by Nand Nagri with 917 violators, Khajuri Khas with 845 violators, Samaypur Badli with 826 violators, Civil Lines with 804 violators, Bhajan Pura with 798 violators, Ashok Vihar with 736 violators, Gandhi Nagar with 699 violators, Sadar Bazar with 579 violators and Narela with 565 violators of having defective number plates.

“In addition to on-ground enforcement, there has been a concerted effort to raise public awareness about the importance of proper number plates. Campaigns through social media and collaboration with automobile associations have been launched to educate vehicle owners on the legal requirements and the potential penalties for non-compliance,” the statement read.

Further, it stated that the Delhi Traffic Police remain committed to sustaining these efforts throughout the year, ensuring that all vehicles on the road meet the required standards for number plates, thereby contributing to safer and more orderly traffic management in the city.

It also urged the vehicle owners to check their number plates for compliance and make necessary corrections promptly to avoid penalties. “The Delhi Traffic Police reiterate their dedication to maintaining road safety and upholding the law for the benefit of all road users,” it stated.