Bangladesh Road Transport Authority: Motorcycle front number plate deadline moved to 31 December
At a glance
- The deadline for front number plates on motorcycles was today, 15 November; it is now 31 December.
- Plates are 285 x 50 mm for motorcycles and 200 x 100 mm for scooters, black Bangla letters on white.
- Owners make and fit the plate at their own cost; the rear RFID plate rule is unchanged.
The Bangladesh Road Transport Authority (BRTA) had set today, Sunday 15 November, as the last day for fitting a number plate on the front of motorcycles. That deadline no longer applies. BRTA has extended it by about six weeks to 31 December 2026, so motorcycle and scooter owners have until the end of the year to fit a front manual number plate.
Many people are searching for the BRTA rules today, thinking it is the last day. Here is everything in one place.
When and how the deadline changed
News of the extension first came in late October. Then, on Wednesday 11 November, BRTA published a public notice on its official Facebook page confirming the new deadline. According to the authority, the very large number of registered motorcycles made it practically hard to fit front plates on all of them within the original period, which is why more time was given.
Why a front plate is needed
Under the Road Transport Act, 2018 and the Road Transport Rules, 2022, a vehicle's registration number must be visible at the front as well as the rear. Until now, many motorcycles carried a plate only at the back. The new directive makes the front number mandatory too.
Rules for the front number plate
According to BRTA's directive, the plate must meet these conditions:
| Item | Scooter | Other motorcycles |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 200 mm | 285 mm |
| Width | 100 mm | 50 mm |
| Height of letters and numbers | at least 20 mm | at least 20 mm |
- Material: stainless steel or aluminium.
- Colour and text: black Bangla letters and numbers on a white background.
- Design: no extra designs, stickers or decorations.
- Layout: on motorcycles other than scooters, the registration number must be written in a single horizontal line.
- Cost: owners must make and fit the front manual plate at their own expense.
What about the rear plate
Nothing has changed at the rear. A BRTA-approved retro-reflective RFID number plate is still required there. The front plate is in addition to it, not a replacement.
What owners should do
- Check the number exactly against your registration certificate or rear plate.
- Choose the size for a motorcycle or a scooter.
- Have the number written in black Bangla letters on a white stainless steel or aluminium plate.
- Avoid extra designs, English letters or fancy fonts.
- Fit the plate well before 31 December to avoid the last-minute rush.
The extension does not cancel the rule, so fitting the front plate within the new deadline is still required.
Timeline at a glance
- Original deadline: 15 November 2026.
- Late October: news of the extension.
- 11 November: BRTA public notice on its Facebook page.
- New deadline: 31 December 2026.
Sources
This report combines information from bdnews24.com, Channel i Online, OneNewsBD and 24 Update News.
FAQ
What is the deadline for a front number plate on motorcycles?
Under BRTA's extended timeline, 31 December 2026. The earlier deadline was 15 November.
What size must the front number plate be?
200 mm long and 100 mm wide for scooters, and 285 mm long and 50 mm wide for other motorcycles. Letters and numbers must be at least 20 mm high.
Does BRTA supply the front plate?
No. Owners have been asked to make and fit the front manual plate themselves, at their own cost, following the prescribed size and conditions.
What lettering and design are allowed?
The plate must be stainless steel or aluminium, with the registration number in black Bangla letters and numbers on a white background. No extra designs or decorations are allowed.
Has the rear number plate rule changed?
No. A BRTA-approved retro-reflective RFID number plate is still required at the rear.
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