BEIJING - Chinese authorities on Monday launched a national campaign to combat violations of motor vehicle license plate regulations.

The campaign, which will last until October 31, will focus on the forging or illegal alteration of license plates, as well as the use of false plates and driving while intentionally covering license plates, according to a statement issued by the traffic management bureau of the Ministry of Public Security.

During the campaign, police will also target violations concerning the illegal "cloning" of others' plates or driver's licenses.

Motorists should report incidents in which they receive tickets for violations they have obviously not committed to local authorities in order to help police find "cloned" plates, the statement said.

Police will raid and shut down facilities used to produce and sell false plates, the statement said, adding that unlicensed drivers and people who drive with false licenses will be punished.

Police will strictly punish violators, with punishments including the confiscation of their cars and plates, as well as criminal penalties, the statement said.