Lagos Impounds 175 Vehicles Over Illegal Use of Dealer Number Plates
By Aboki Forex —
The Lagos State Government has impounded 175 vehicles for violating the rules on dealer number plates, warning motorists and vehicle dealers against using the plates for daily or permanent driving. Offenders face confiscation, impoundment and possible prosecution.
The warning was issued in a statement by the Director of Public Affairs at the Ministry of Transportation, Mrs Bolanle Ogunlola. She urged vehicle owners and dealers to comply with the regulations governing the plates.
What the Law Says
Ogunlola explained that the Lagos State Transport Sector Reform Law, 2018, permits dealer number plates only for specific and limited activities. Approved uses include authorised test drives, vehicle inspections, delivery or collection of vehicles, and the transportation of unregistered vehicles from ports or approved dealership premises to designated destinations.
She stressed that dealer plates are not intended for regular personal transportation or unrestricted movement on public roads. “Their use for private daily commuting, continuous operation on public roads, or on vehicles already sold is prohibited,” Ogunlola said.
Enforcement and Penalties
According to Ogunlola, the Vehicle Inspection Service (VIS) has so far impounded 175 vehicles found to have violated the rules. She disclosed that the dealer plates retrieved from the affected vehicles would be confiscated, while the vehicles would be subjected to further investigation.
The government also warned that motorists found using fake, unauthorised, concealed or improperly displayed registration numbers would face enforcement measures. Ogunlola said violators could face sanctions including vehicle impoundment and prosecution in line with relevant traffic regulations.
She called on motorists and vehicle dealers to familiarise themselves with the rules and ensure that dealer number plates are used strictly for approved purposes. She added that enforcing the regulation would strengthen accountability, improve vehicle identification and contribute to safer roads across Lagos.
What It Means for Dealers
Vehicle dealers operating in Lagos must now separate trade plates from regular use or risk losing vehicles and facing prosecution. The crackdown signals tighter enforcement under the 2018 Transport Sector Reform Law, and dealers who use dealer plates for private commuting or on sold vehicles are clearly in the crosshairs.