Stop sale of plate-flippers before they fuel chaos

PETALING JAYA: Safety experts have called for online platforms to stop selling plate-flipping devi­ces and for enforcement to be stepped up.

Assoc Prof Dr Law Teik Hua of Universiti Putra Malaysia said such devices must be prohibited, as they are designed to conceal a driver’s identity and evade responsibility, undermining traffic enforcement systems.

“Such devices are mainly used by those attempting to evade identification by traffic enforcement systems.

“They include drivers who attempt to evade speed checking systems, red-light camera detection and toll regimes,” he said.

“The prohibition of both the sale and use of such devices would constitute a meaningful pre-emptive measure for secu­ring public safety as well as upholding the law,” he added.

Assoc Prof Law said that while some may purchase these pro­ducts out of novelty, their primary use remains to “conceal one’s identity and evade accountability when driving”.

He also said the sale and use of plate-flipping devices could have wide-ranging repercussions.

“Traffic enforcement systems, such as cameras used to check speed, red lights and tolls, will be severely compromised, enabling offences that are less likely to be detected,” he said.

Beyond financial losses from unpaid tolls and forfeited penalties, he cautioned that dangerous driving practices could rise, leading to more accidents.

“Such devices might also obstruct the investigation of more serious crimes, posing further challenges to law enforcement agencies.

“Widespread use will certainly compromise confidence in traffic regulations being conducted fairly and responsibly, leading to reduced general compliance with the law,” he pointed out.

Transport consultant Wan Agyl Wan Hassan said the problem is not just about outlawing such devices but also about halting their availability online.

“The Road Transport Act 1987 and JPJ regulations make it an offence to obscure, alter, or tamper with a registration plate.

“Using a flipping device falls squarely under this. Offenders face fines of up to RM3,000 or even imprisonment. So the issue is not whether to ban, but how to stop sales and strengthen enforcement,” he said.

Wan Agyl says the devices pre­sent serious risks, as criminals could commit theft, smuggling, or hit-and-run accidents “and vanish at the push of a button”.

“Traffic enforcement will collapse if drivers can hide from cameras and tolls, making roads more dangerous.

“Public trust in the rule of law would erode if some drivers get away scot-free compared to those who follow the rules,” he said, adding that operators and govern­ment agencies stand to lose millions in unpaid tolls, summonses, and fees.

He said the devices are openly available on popular online shopping platforms, despite consumer regulations.

“Under the Consumer Protec­tion (Electronic Trade Transac­tion) Regulations 2024 and the Online Safety Bill, platforms are obliged to remove prohibited products once flagged,” he said.

“Authorities can and should hold them accountable. If platforms can take down counterfeit goods, they can also remove plate-flipping devices.”

Road Safety Marshal Club presi­dent K. Bala emphasised the dangers posed to public safety and the potential impact on emergency responses.

“Number plates are used to identify a vehicle in the event of an emergency. During emergencies, authorities can identify whom the vehicle belongs to and contact the family members,” he said.

He said plate-flipping devices could cause the innocent to become victims, as their number plates might be used on a different vehicle.

“They may receive fines, or worse, be targeted by police for crimes they did not commit,” he added.

Bala said the use of false or altered number plates has long been a concern, and readily available plate-flipping devices are making matters worse.