Commissioner General of Motor Traffic Thushara Fernando says the shortage of vehicle number plates is expected to be fully resolved within the next six months.
He said around 62,000 number plates have been produced since a new contractor began production on March 10, while approximately 32,000 plates remain pending for vehicles registered in 2023 and 2024.
As part of efforts to clear the backlog, a new agreement for the supply of number plates for vehicles registered in 2025 is scheduled to be signed next week.
Once the existing backlog is cleared, the Department of Motor Traffic plans to issue number plates within seven days of vehicle registration.
Fernando also said special green number plates will be issued for all electric vehicles, including cars, three-wheelers, motorcycles and SUVs. The green plates will be issued for both the front and rear of the vehicles.
He clarified that the registered owner of a vehicle does not necessarily have to be the person driving it. A vehicle registered in an individual’s name may also be driven by their spouse or child.
However, if a vehicle is provided to another person or entity on a rental basis, it must be operated under the applicable hiring insurance coverage.
