Video: BMW driver installs button to change number plate, caught during Jubilee Hills police check

Hyderabad: In a bizarre attempt to outsmart traffic enforcement, a BMW driver equipped his car with a mechanism to change its registration number plate at the press of a button, only to be caught red-handed during a routine drunken driving check in Jubilee Hills.

Caught during a midnight drunk driving check

The incident occurred around 12:30 am on Saturday during a special weekend drunken driving drive on Road No. 1, Jubilee Hills. Traffic police intercepted a BMW car and found the driver, identified as Goutham from Gandhinagar, driving under the influence of alcohol.

The driver refuses to cooperate

After being stopped, Goutham reportedly remained silent and refused to disclose his details despite repeated questioning by the police. His non-cooperative behaviour raised further suspicion among the officers on duty.

Hidden number plate trick exposed

As the driver was intoxicated, a constable attempted to move the automatic vehicle to clear traffic. During this process, he accidentally pressed a button located on the right side of the steering wheel, triggering a surprising mechanism.

The front number plate instantly changed, revealing that the car was using two different registration numbers. While the front plate initially displayed DL 6 CM 7079, the rear plate showed TSFQ 9999, leaving the police stunned.

Vehicle seized, BAC found high

Upon verification using the chassis and engine numbers, police confirmed that the original registration number of the car was DL 6 CM 7079. The vehicle was immediately seized.

A breathalyser test revealed Goutham’s Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) level at 137 mg/100 ml, well above permissible limits. An e-challan was issued for drunk driving.

Case registered for tampering

According to Jubilee Hills Traffic Inspector N Ravinder, a formal complaint has been lodged with the Jubilee Hills Law & Order police against Goutham for tampering with the vehicle’s registration plate and using a deceptive mechanism.

Police have also taken serious note of the driver’s refusal to cooperate, and a detailed investigation is currently underway to examine the origin and legality of the number plate switching device.