Police in Dili have seized 384 motorbikes for breaking traffic regulations.
Second Commander of Dili Municipality Police Superintendent Euclidis Belo said the violations included failure to produce divers licenses, no rearview mirrors, modified muffler, and driving without license plates.
“It is because they break the traffic regulations that there we have more than 384 motorbikes that have been seized,” he said in Dili.
Police also seized eight government cars that were being used for private non-work-related activities or had been fitted with black windshields.
“They use state cars with a black windshield for private interest like family picnics,” he said.
He said the aim of the police crackdown was to minimize traffic accidents, which continued to increase every year.
He therefore urged motorists to respect traffic regulations by ensuring the personal security.
He said those who had no license cards would be imprisoned for 72 hours, while those who had a modified muffler would be required to change it, and those driving without license plates or rearview mirrors would receive a fine.
“They can have their motorbikes back when they have paid the fines and changed the mufflers,” he said.
National MP Cesar Valente said the police crackdown was an important deterrent for motorists ignoring traffic regulations.
He also reminded those with government cars that the vehicles are only for work purposes and are not for personal use.
“They know it, but sometimes they do not care,” he said.
