The shortage of vehicle number plates is expected to be fully resolved within the next six months, Commissioner General of Motor Traffic Tushara Fernando has said.
He said approximately 62,000 number plates have been produced since a new contractor commenced production on March 10.
However, around 32,000 number plates for vehicles registered in 2023 and 2024 are still pending issuance, he said.
As another step towards clearing the backlog, a new agreement to provide number plates for vehicles registered in 2025 is scheduled to be signed next week, the Commissioner General said.
Once the backlog of number plates is fully cleared, the Department of Motor Traffic expects to issue number plates within seven days of a vehicle being registered.
He further stated that special green-coloured number plates will be issued for all electric vehicles, including cars, three-wheelers, motorcycles and SUVs.
The green-coloured number plates will be issued for both the front and rear of the vehicles.
He also clarified that the registered owner of a vehicle does not necessarily have to be the person driving it. A vehicle owned by an individual may be driven by their husband, wife or child.
However, if a vehicle is provided to another institution or party on a rental basis, it must be driven under the relevant hiring insurance coverage, he further stated.
