Motorists warned of online fake red licence plate scam
The Department of Land Transport (DLT) has warned people against buying red licence plates which are sold online, pointing out they are fake.
DLT deputy chief Nanthapong Cherdchoo said his agency gives out red licence plates to car dealers when they drive vehicles to customers or take them for repairs. These plates are also passed on to car users waiting for their vehicle registration.
He said car dealers must have vehicle books and permits for using vehicles with these plates. The plates cannot be sold to others.
Mr Nanthapong said his agency discovered the sale of red licence plates on social media and they were found to be fake, based on the information shared by car dealers who obtained the plates.
The DLT will file a police complaint against the illicit business network involved for causing damage to the state, committing public fraud and falsifying documents, he said. He also warned people not to be tricked into buying red plates online as the use of fake plates carries criminal punishment, adding that offenders face between six months and five years in prison or a fine of 1,000-10,000 baht, or both.
Genuine red plates issued by the DLT must have raised Kor Sor letters at the bottom right corner of the items. He said the plates must also have a watermark of the DLT’s symbol.
The DLT found some people use the red plates for a long time with no intention to have their vehicles registered or pay the annual tax, Mr Nanthapong said.
If these vehicles are used in crimes, involved in crashes or stolen, it would be difficult to track down the owners, he said. Car owners could also face a fine of up to 10,000 baht for using unregistered vehicles, he said.
The spokesman also called on new car buyers to act quickly and have their vehicles registered, adding the DLT will toughen measures to deal with offenders who delay the process. Mr Nanthapong said the car registration process can take place within a day, in which owners will receive licence plates and tax payment signs.