The Lagos State Government has introduced updated traffic laws aimed at promoting road safety and discouraging violations.
These measures, enforced by agencies like LASTMA (Lagos State Traffic Management Authority), include a detailed list of offences and corresponding fines or penalties.
This article provides an extensive guide to the new traffic offences and their consequences.
Table of Traffic Offences and Fines
| Offence | Penalty |
|---|---|
| Driving without a driver’s licence | Impound vehicle |
| Driving a vehicle by person under 18 | ₦30,000 |
| Driving with fake number plates | ₦30,000 and 3 years in prison |
| Driving with forged vehicle particulars | 6 months in prison |
| Driving with fake driver’s licence | 6 months in prison |
| Driving without road worthiness | Impound vehicle |
| Driving only yellow | ₦80,000, enforce painting |
| Driving without Hackey permit | Impound vehicle |
| No display of Hackey permit | Impound vehicle |
| Kabu Kabu without permit | Impound vehicle |
| Disobeying LASTMA officer | ₦30,000/Impound vehicle |
| Neglect of traffic direction light | 3 months in prison |
| Smoking while driving | ₦30,000/Impound vehicle |
| Physically assaulting a traffic officer | ₦50,000/6 months in prison |
| Driving without full light | ₦50,000 |
| Driving with worn-out tyre | ₦30,000 |
| Driving without spare tyre | ₦30,000 |
| Driving smoking vehicle | ₦30,000 |
| No fire extinguisher | ₦30,000 |
| Broken windscreen | ₦30,000 |
| Tinted windscreen | ₦30,000 |
| Eating and driving with one hand | 3 months in prison |
| One-way driving | 3 years in prison |
| Driving without fastened seatbelt | ₦30,000 |
| Not painting a commercial vehicle the approved colour | ₦50,000 |
| No car hire service permit | 1st ₦20,000; 2nd ₦30,000, Impound vehicle |
| Parking on yellow line on any public highway/illegal parking | 1st ₦20,000; subsequent ₦30,000 |
| Vehicle crossing double yellow line/center line | 1st ₦20,000; subsequent ₦30,000 |
| Staying within the yellow junction box (offside rule) | 1st ₦20,000; subsequent ₦30,000 |
| Failure to yield to right of way of pedestrians at zebra crossing | 1st ₦20,000; subsequent ₦30,000 |
| Failure to give way to traffic on the left at a roundabout | 1st ₦20,000; subsequent ₦30,000 |
| Driving on walkway or kerb | Impound vehicle |
| Reversing on the highway or parking on walkways | ₦50,000 |
| Obstruction of traffic | ₦20,000 |
| Picking/Dropping passengers at an illegal bus stop | ₦50,000 |
| Driving on BRT lanes | ₦70,000 |
Detailed Breakdown of Offences and Penalties
1. Licensing-Related Offences
- Driving without a driver’s licence: Offenders will have their vehicles impounded until a valid licence is presented.
- Driving under the age of 18: A fine of ₦30,000 applies, as driving before the legal age poses significant safety risks.
2. Fake Documentation
- Driving with fake number plates incurs a fine of ₦30,000 and 3 years imprisonment, highlighting the government’s stance on fraud prevention.
- Forged vehicle particulars or fake driver’s licences result in 6 months imprisonment.
3. Roadworthiness and Vehicle Standards
- Vehicles without a valid roadworthiness certificate will be impounded.
- Driving vehicles with worn-out tyres, smoking engines, or broken windscreens will result in fines of ₦30,000 per offence.
- No spare tyre or fire extinguisher also attracts fines of ₦30,000 each.
4. Traffic Rule Violations
- One-way driving is among the most serious offences, punishable by 3 years imprisonment.
- Disobeying LASTMA officers: Offenders face a fine of ₦30,000 or vehicle impoundment.
- Neglecting traffic direction lights leads to 3 months imprisonment.
- Staying in the yellow junction box or crossing a double yellow line incurs fines starting at ₦20,000, increasing to ₦30,000 for repeated offences.
5. Public Transport-Specific Offences
- Kabu Kabu drivers without permits will have their vehicles impounded.
- Commercial vehicles not painted the approved yellow and black color attract a fine of ₦50,000.
6. BRT Lane and Illegal Bus Stops
- Driving on BRT lanes incurs a ₦70,000 fine.
- Picking or dropping passengers at illegal bus stops attracts a ₦50,000 penalty.
Common Offences and Their Impact
Eating or Smoking While Driving
- Eating or driving with one hand can lead to 3 months imprisonment.
- Smoking while driving attracts a ₦30,000 fine, emphasizing the importance of full concentration while on the road.
Driving Without Full Light
- Driving without full light at night not only poses a risk to the driver but also endangers other road users, warranting a ₦50,000 fine.
Assault on Traffic Officers
- Physical assault of a LASTMA officer is punishable by a ₦50,000 fine or 6 months imprisonment, reflecting zero tolerance for such actions.
Summary Table of Penalties for Quick Reference
| Category | Example Offences | Penalty |
|---|---|---|
| Licensing Violations | Driving without licence | Vehicle impoundment |
| Documentation Fraud | Fake number plates, driver’s licence | ₦30,000/6 months to 3 years imprisonment |
| Vehicle Standards | Worn-out tyres, no fire extinguisher | ₦30,000 |
| Public Transport Rules | Kabu Kabu without permit, wrong vehicle color | ₦50,000 or vehicle impoundment |
| Road Use Violations | One-way driving, BRT lane violations | ₦70,000/3 years imprisonment |
| Traffic Light Offences | Ignoring signals, yellow box rule | ₦20,000–₦30,000 |
