Lagos State’s New Traffic Offences and Their Fines: A Guide to Responsible Driving
Lagos State, Nigeria’s bustling economic hub, is renowned for its vibrant energy and, unfortunately, its notorious traffic congestion. To address road safety challenges and ensure compliance with road regulations, the state has implemented stringent traffic laws, including new offences and their corresponding penalties. As residents and visitors navigate Lagos’s busy roads, it is essential to be aware of these rules to avoid hefty fines, imprisonment, or vehicle impoundment.
Overview of Offences and Penalties
The updated traffic offences target a range of unsafe driving practices and regulatory violations. Here’s a summary:
- Licensing and Vehicle Documentation
- Driving without a driver’s licence: Vehicle impounded.
- Driving with a fake driver’s licence: 6 months imprisonment.
- Using fake number plates or forged vehicle particulars: Attracts fines up to ₦30,000 and imprisonment of up to 3 years.
- Driving without roadworthiness certification: Vehicle impounded.
- Commercial Vehicle Regulations
- Operating a Kabu Kabu without a permit: Vehicle impounded.
- Driving without a Hackney permit or failing to display it: Leads to vehicle impoundment.
- Not painting a commercial vehicle in the approved color: ₦50,000 fine.
- Unsafe Driving Practices
- Disobeying LASTMA officers: ₦30,000 fine or vehicle impoundment.
- Neglecting traffic lights or assaulting officers: Penalties range from ₦30,000 to ₦50,000 and imprisonment.
- Smoking or eating while driving: Results in fines of ₦30,000 or up to 3 months imprisonment.
- Vehicle Condition Violations
- Driving with worn-out or no spare tyres: ₦30,000 fine.
- Operating a vehicle without a fire extinguisher: ₦30,000 fine.
- Broken or tinted windscreens: ₦30,000 fine each.
- One-Way and Restricted Lane Violations
- Driving against traffic (one-way): 3 years imprisonment.
- Driving on BRT lanes: ₦70,000 fine.
- Parking and Obstruction
- Parking illegally or on yellow lines: Fines start at ₦20,000.
- Obstruction of traffic: ₦20,000 fine.
Key Safety Offences
Some offences directly endanger lives and carry severe penalties. These include:
- Driving underage: ₦30,000 fine.
- Failure to yield to pedestrians at zebra crossings: ₦20,000 fine for the first offence and ₦30,000 for subsequent offences.
- Reversing on highways or parking on walkways: ₦50,000 fine.
Importance of Compliance
The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) enforces these laws with zero tolerance. While the enforcement may not catch every violator, penalties serve as a deterrent, with violators often made examples to emphasize compliance. Ignorance of the law is not an excuse.
Driving Responsibly
To avoid penalties, all road users must adhere to the rules. Secure necessary permits, ensure vehicle conditions are up to standard, and follow traffic officers’ directions. Remember, driving responsibly protects lives and reduces the stress of hefty fines or imprisonment.
No go dull ya self ooo!
You can drop a comment below so we can respond to you questions. Thanks
You can also read more, How to stay out trouble as a motorist
