Police have been instructed to take strict legal action against motorists using altered vehicle number plates instead of the standard plates issued by the Department of Motor Traffic.

Deputy Inspector General of Police in charge of Traffic Management and Road Safety, W. P. J. Senadheera, said information has been received that some vehicles are being operated with modified number plates in place of those issued by the Department of Motor Traffic.

He said the situation has arisen amid delays in issuing standard number plates for newly registered vehicles, creating opportunities for certain groups to engage in illegal activities.

He also noted that some owners of newly registered vehicles are using number plates of different colours.

The Inspector General of Police has informed the Commissioner General of Motor Traffic to take steps to regulate the issue, warning that strict legal action will be taken against violators.