SUVA, Fiji (19th May 2025): The Land Transport Authority (LTA) is issuing a stern warning to all vehicle owners, car show organisers, and number plate vendors following increasing reports of illegal number plate fixtures, including personalised and unregistered number plates being affixed to vehicles without the Authority’s approval.
The LTA reminds the public that it is the sole legal authority in Fiji responsible for the issuance and affixing of vehicle registration number plates. Any number plate not issued by the LTA is considered unauthorised and illegal under the Land Transport Act and relevant vehicle registration regulations.
The Authority has been made aware of recent instances where individuals and businesses are manufacturing and selling customised number plates – including those mimicking Government-issued registration plates – and affixing them to vehicles for private use, including display at car shows.
LTA Chief Executive Officer Irimaia Rokosawa said the practice of placing unauthorised number plates on vehicles poses a serious threat to public safety and breaches the law.
“It has come to our attention that some vehicle owners have fitted number plates that have not been approved or issued by LTA, including Government registration plates impersonated for display purposes at car shows. Let me be clear: this is illegal and will not be tolerated,” Mr. Rokosawa said.
He stressed that while car shows are intended to display vehicle modifications and aesthetics, impersonating official Government registration, even in a temporary or decorative capacity, is strictly prohibited.
“No one is permitted to produce or display a number plate that imitates an official Government number, regardless of the setting. This is a matter of public trust and legal responsibility,” he said.
Vehicle owners found in breach of the law risk being issued a fine of $100, and in other cases, the LTA may seize the vehicle for the removal of unauthorised number plates.
The Authority is also investigating businesses that are currently advertising and supplying personalised or novelty number plates without LTA's authorisation.
“We are calling on these vendors to cease this illegal practice immediately. LTA will not hesitate to take necessary actions against anyone found to be supplying or affixing number plates not authorised by the Authority,” said Mr. Rokosawa.
The LTA reiterates that all vehicles operating on Fijian roads must bear valid, legally issued number plates affixed by authorised personnel under the oversight of the Authority. Number plates serve not only as a vehicle identifier but are critical in traffic enforcement, road safety management, and public accountability.
In addition, Mr Rokosawa warns that any unauthorised modification of vehicle components, including number plates, lighting, suspension, and engine configurations, compromises the integrity and safety of the vehicle.
“Modifications of any kind must be approved by the LTA before being undertaken. Safety is our priority. Any change to the structure or visual identification of a vehicle that does not follow proper procedures puts lives at risk,” Mr. Rokosawa added.
The Authority is also working closely with the Fiji Police Force and other enforcement agencies to crack down on non-compliant practices and ensure that all vehicle registration and identification standards are upheld without compromise.
Members of the public are urged to report any sightings of suspicious or illegal number plate to the Authority via our LTA complaints platforms – Text to 582, email help@lta.com.fj / complaints@lta.com.fj or calling the Call Centre on 3392166. Complaints can also be filed via the LTA live chat service on our website at https://www.lta.com.fj