{
  "id": 6428651,
  "title": "SUV driver had a button to hide number plate — then video went viral",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/09/suv-driver-had-a-button-to-hide-number-plate-then-video-went-viral",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-09-09T12:47:13.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Gulf News",
    "slug": "gulf-news",
    "url": "https://gulfnews.com/world/asia/india/suv-driver-had-a-button-to-hide-number-plate-then-video-went-viral-1.500668599"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "An SUV owner in India discovered a device that could cover its registration plate with a single button press. The modification became public after a video of a black shutter sliding over a Toyota Fortuner's plate while the car traveled on the Pune-Mumbai Expressway went viral on social media. The vehicle was traced to its owner in Tathawade, Maharashtra, and a wired mechanism was discovered attached to the registration plate. However, the SUV also had 55 pending traffic tickets totaling Rs 122,000, most reportedly due to speeding. Authorities fined the owner an additional Rs 4,500 for the unauthorized modification. Regional Transport Officer Sandesh Chavan emphasized that the case would be treated seriously to deter other attempts at evading traffic fines. Police have also opened an investigation into whether the vehicle may have been used in any other illegal activities in the past.",
  "summary": "One press of a button — and the SUV’s number plate disappeared. An SUV owner in India has been caught with an unusual device that could conceal the vehicle’s registration plate at the push of a button. Get it: Fast, verified news for FREE ... download the Gulf News app — simply click here The modification was exposed after a video showing a black shutter sliding over the plate while the Toyota…",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}