Lagos Impounds 175 Vehicles Over Misuse Of Dealer Number Plates
The Lagos State Government has intensified enforcement against the illegal use of dealer number plates, with 175 vehicles impounded for allegedly violating regulations governing their use across the state.
The government reiterated that dealer number plates are not meant for permanent or routine use by motorists, warning vehicle owners and dealers against using them for purposes not authorised by law.
The warning was contained in a statement issued on Monday by the Director of Public Affairs, Lagos State Ministry of Transportation, Mrs Bolanle Ogunlola, and shared on the ministry’s official X handle.
According to the ministry, the use of dealer number plates is regulated by the Lagos State Transport Sector Reform Law, 2018, which limits their application to specific and time-bound activities.
The government explained that the plates are permitted for authorised vehicle test drives, inspections, delivery or collection of vehicles, as well as the movement of unregistered vehicles directly from ports or authorised dealerships to designated locations.
It stressed that dealer plates must not be used for private daily commuting, continuous operation on public roads or on vehicles that have already been sold and are awaiting permanent registration.
As part of its ongoing enforcement efforts, the Vehicle Inspection Service (VIS) has apprehended 175 vehicles found to be operating in violation of the regulations.
The government said dealer plates recovered from the affected vehicles would be confiscated, while the vehicles would undergo further investigation.
It also warned that motorists found using unauthorised, fake, obscured or improperly displayed registration numbers would face sanctions in line with existing traffic laws.
According to the government, such sanctions could include vehicle impoundment and prosecution of offenders.
The state urged vehicle dealers and motorists to comply fully with regulations governing dealer number plates and ensure that vehicles are properly registered once they are sold or become subject to permanent registration.
The government said the enforcement was necessary to improve vehicle identification, promote accountability and enhance safety on Lagos roads.
It added that it would continue to enforce transport regulations aimed at curbing the misuse of dealer plates and improving compliance across the state.
