Lagos, Nigeria — The Lagos State Government has intensified enforcement against the permanent or routine use of dealer number plates by motorists and vehicle dealers, warning that such misuse violates state law and will attract sanctions.
In a statement issued on Sunday, Bolanle Ogunlola, Director of Public Affairs at the Lagos State Ministry of Transportation, urged motorists and automobile dealers to restrict dealer registration plates strictly to purposes permitted under the law. She cited the Lagos State Transport Sector Reform Law, 2018, which limits their use to specific, time-bound activities.
Approved uses include authorised vehicle test drives, inspections, delivery or collection of vehicles, and the movement of unregistered vehicles directly from ports or licensed dealership premises to approved destinations. Dealer plates cannot legally be used for routine private transportation, continuous operation on public roads, or on vehicles that have already been sold.
“Their use for private daily commuting, continuous operation on public roads, or on vehicles already sold is prohibited,” Ogunlola stated.
The Vehicle Inspection Service (VIS) has already impounded 175 vehicles for alleged violations of dealer number plate regulations. Authorities will confiscate the dealer plates recovered from these vehicles, which will undergo further investigation.
Officials also warned that vehicles operating with unauthorised, fake, obscured, or improperly used registration numbers face enforcement action, including impoundment and possible prosecution under applicable traffic laws. The crackdown aims to strengthen accountability, ensure proper vehicle identification, and enhance road safety across Lagos.
The government stressed that dealer plates are temporary tools intended solely for licensed dealers in legitimate business activities and are not a substitute for permanent vehicle registration. Compliance, officials said, remains essential for maintaining order and safety on the state’s roads.
About the Author
