Stricter Penalties for Defaced License Plates in New Traffic Law

The Council of Ministers has approved a draft law that significantly strengthens penalties for tampering with licence plates in Egypt. This amendment to Traffic Law No. 66 of 1973 aims to deter drivers from intentionally defacing or misusing their licence plates.

Intentionally defacing metal licence plates, including changing data, altering colours, obliterating them entirely, or concealing them will now be punishable by imprisonment for up to one year. Fines for such offences will range from EGP 2,000 to EGP 5,000.

The law also expands its reach beyond intentional defacement. Failing to display assigned metal plates, using unassigned plates, or neglecting to report lost plates will now be subject to the same penalties. Repeat offenders within a one-year period following conviction will face doubled penalties. For subsequent offences, the new law mandates imprisonment.