The Department of Motor Traffic (RMV) expects to clear the existing backlog of vehicle number plates within the next six months, Commissioner General Thushara Fernando said.He said around 62,000 number plates have been produced since a new contractor began manufacturing plates on March 10, while about 32,000 plates relating to vehicles registered in 2023 and 2024 are still pending.

Fernando said a new contract covering number plates for vehicles registered in 2025 is expected to be signed next week as part of efforts to clear the backlog.Once the backlog is cleared, the RMV expects to issue number plates within about seven days of a vehicle being registered, he said.Fernando also said special green number plates are being 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 vehicle.

He further clarified that the registered owner of a vehicle does not necessarily have to be the person driving it. A vehicle owned by an individual can be driven by the owner’s spouse or child.However, if a vehicle is hired out to another institution or party, it must be operated under the relevant hiring insurance coverage, he said.