Al Dhahirah, Oman – May 12, 2025
The Royal Oman Police (ROP) have arrested an individual in the Al Dhahirah Governorate for using and displaying a number plate on a vehicle that was not registered with the concerned authorities, in violation of Oman’s traffic regulations. The arrest comes as part of ongoing efforts by law enforcement to maintain public safety and enforce compliance with road and vehicle laws.
According to an official statement released by the ROP on Monday, the arrest took place after routine patrol officers noticed a vehicle exhibiting suspicious number plate characteristics during their surveillance in a populated area of Al Dhahirah. Upon further inspection and verification, officers discovered that the vehicle was unregistered and that the number plate being displayed did not match any official registration records.
“The use of unregistered vehicles or forged number plates poses a significant risk to public safety and undermines national efforts to regulate transportation standards,” said the ROP in its statement. “Such violations will not be tolerated and will be dealt with in accordance with the law.”
Driving an unregistered vehicle, particularly one bearing a false or unauthorized number plate, is considered a serious offense under Omani traffic regulations. The law mandates that all vehicles operating on public roads must be registered with the appropriate authorities and must bear valid, officially issued number plates. Failure to comply can lead to penalties, including fines, vehicle confiscation, and possible imprisonment depending on the nature and intent of the offense.
In this case, police are also investigating whether the accused had any intention to use the unregistered vehicle for illegal purposes. While no evidence has yet pointed to further criminal activity, the ROP confirmed that legal procedures are being followed and the case will be referred to the Public Prosecution.
The arrest has sparked conversation among local residents and social media users, many of whom have expressed concern over the misuse of number plates and unregistered vehicles. Citizens have commended the vigilance of the ROP, emphasizing the importance of upholding strict traffic and safety standards to protect both motorists and pedestrians.
“This arrest serves as a reminder that we all have a role to play in maintaining order and safety on the roads,” said one Al Dhahirah resident. “We thank the police for their continued efforts to protect our community.”
The Royal Oman Police have urged the public to report any suspicious vehicles or activity to the nearest police station or through official hotlines. They also reminded vehicle owners of their responsibility to ensure that all documentation, including registration, insurance, and licensing, is kept up to date.
The incident is part of a wider campaign by the ROP to strengthen road safety measures in Oman, particularly in interior regions such as Al Dhahirah. In recent months, authorities have increased roadside inspections, launched awareness campaigns, and enhanced the use of surveillance tools to crack down on illegal modifications and registration violations.
Officials have noted a slight increase in the number of cases involving expired registrations and misused number plates, especially in rural and semi-urban areas where enforcement was previously less frequent. However, the ROP insists that no area is beyond the reach of the law.
“Our officers are active across all governorates, and we will not allow gaps in enforcement to be exploited,” said a senior ROP official. “Whether in Muscat or Al Dhahirah, the same standards apply.”
The arrest in Al Dhahirah highlights the importance of adhering to vehicle registration laws and the seriousness with which the Royal Oman Police treats such violations. As investigations continue, the ROP has reaffirmed its commitment to enforcing legal compliance across the country, ensuring that Oman’s roads remain safe and orderly for all.
Members of the public are encouraged to remain vigilant and to cooperate with authorities in promoting a culture of lawful and responsible vehicle use.
