For all latest news, follow the Daily Sun's Google News channel.
The Bangladesh Road Transport Authority (BRTA) has asked motorcycle and scooter owners to install number plates on the front of their vehicles by 15 November, warning that failure to comply will invite legal action.
In a public circular issued on Friday, the authority said front number plates were needed because traffic police’s AI-powered cameras could not identify registration numbers displayed only at the rear.
The new requirement comes despite the existing system of radio-frequency identification (RFID) number plates, which the BRTA has been issuing since 2012 at a cost of Tk2,260, according to its citizen charter.
Under the new directive, motorcycle owners must install manually made aluminium or stainless-steel plates at the front in addition to the digital RFID plates at the rear.
The circular said the Road Transport Act, 2018 and the Road Transport Rules, 2022 already require motorcycles to have retro-reflective number plates fitted with RFID tags at the rear. The front plates are intended to strengthen traffic management and surveillance.
The plates must have a white background with black Bengali letters and numerals, without decorative designs. For scooters, the plates must measure 200mm by 100mm, while those for other motorcycles must be 285mm by 50mm. Letters and numerals must be at least 20mm high.
Former director of the Accident Research Institute Dr Md Shamsul Hoque told Daily Sun that activating the RFID system would be a more sustainable solution than requiring additional front plates.
“During foggy weather or in poor light on roads, police AI cameras cannot identify the front plate either. So, we need a dedicated short-range communication system, which we already have, as the BRTA has been selling RFID number plates since 2012. But the service they promised has not been fulfilled yet,” he said.
If RFID stations were installed at traffic signals, vehicles could be identified without placing an additional burden on motorcyclists, he added.
Hoque urged the BRTA to fulfil its commitment by setting up RFID stations to enable smoother vehicle identification and provide other related services.