THE THIRD PLATE:
This is the
most frequently queried subject in recent months. The legislation is
covered by the Vehicle Registration & Licensing Act (Act) and the Vehicle
Registration & Licensing Regulations – SI 427/1999 (Regs). This area
is administered by the Central Vehicle Registry (CVR), and can be contacted on
(04) 759743/5.
Every
vehicle fitted with a windscreen must display the Third Plate behind the
windscreen. (For ease of viewing and roadside safety, we suggest the left
hand side of the windscreen). Trailers and motorcycles must display the
Third Plate “in conspicuous position in a waterproof holder”. (Regs)
Section 11 (4).
On the
issue of “tampering”: (Act) Section 10 (2) states “An owner of a vehicle who
fails to display or maintain his vehicle’s registration mark and number… (is)
liable to a fine not exceeding level three” (currently set at $20.00). In
Big Sky’s view, what cannot be argued is the Third Plate located anywhere other
than the windscreen, a Third Plate cut from a previous windscreen and stuck to
the new windscreen, and any circumstance other than its original state.
However a motorist can legitimately argue where the Third Plate is displayed on
the windscreen, is the original Third Plate and has never been moved.
Slight lifting of the edges due to general wear and tear, and exposure to the elements,
to our understanding does not amount to “tampering”.
“Where a third
plate is lost or damaged, the Registrar may issue a duplicate upon payment
of an appropriate fee”. (Regs) Section 10 (7). “Where the registration
plate is lost or damaged, the Registrar shall allocate a new registration
mark and number for the vehicle…” (Regs) Section 10 (8). Therefore, a
Third Plate can be replaced without the need for a new registration number and
book, however this is required if the Registration Plate is lost or damaged.
Replacement
of the Third Plate costs $35.00 at CVR in Harare, and at post offices in the
main centres. We contacted a few Zimpost offices and were quoted $35.00
by Chinhoyi, Bulawayo, Rusape and Mutare, plus approximately $3.00 for
stationery and postage. The processing period is up to 2 weeks.
Documents required: a CVR4 form, the vehicle registration book and personal
ID. A company letterhead requesting the replacement is required for
company owned vehicles.
OPTIONS
AVAILABLE TO MOTORISTS WHO FEEL THEY HAVE BEEN TREATED UNFAIRLY:
A motorist
can decline to admit guilt by referring to the warning at the top of the
Admission of Guilt form (Z.R.P. N.TFC) that provides the option of appearing in
magistrate’s court. However, a good starting point is speaking to the
officer-in-charge of the roadblock, who being more senior might treat the issue
with discretion and experience. If not, the motorist can request to speak
to the officer-in-charge of the police station from which the roadblock originated.
At all times calm and courteous behavior will contribute significantly to a
fair outcome.
If the
motorist pays the deposit fine but wishes to take the matter further, when the
ZRP member completes the Admission of Guilt form, the motorist should politely
request that the Charge (Section and Statutory enactment) field, be completed
legibly and with the relevant information. Motorists with traffic related
queries can call the Complaints Desk at Police General H.Q on (04) 754 333, who
we have found to be helpful and informative.
ROADSIDE
CHECKS: NOTES FOR THE CUBBY HOLE
Our current
Cubby-hole notes (version 9, Oct-14) cover the most frequently encountered
issues at checkpoints, and the relevant deposit fines. This is attached
as an easily printed .pdf document, however anybody having difficulty with the
document can email us at info@bigsky.co.zw
Updates will be posted on www.bigsky.co.zw
Facebook.com/BigSkySupplies and on Twitter @BigSkySupplies
Acknowledgement:
Mr Howard Dean of BIZ Bulletin (Anyone interested in subscribing to BIZ for
$90.00/6-months, can contact Howard on howard_dean@zim.co.zw)
Your
readers should find these notes useful; however any comments, corrections or
queries are welcome.
Regards….Sean