Lagos Govt bans permanent use of dealer number plates by motorists

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The Lagos State Government has reiterated its prohibition on the permanent or everyday use of dealer number plates by motorists and vehicle dealers.

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The Director, Public Affairs, Ministry of Transportation, Mrs Bolanle Ogunlola, said this in a statement on Sunday in Lagos.

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Ogunlola warned motorists and vehicle dealers against using dealer number plates for purposes outside those permitted by law.

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She said the Lagos State Transport Sector Reform Law, 2018, restricted dealer plates to specific, time-limited activities.

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According to her, permitted uses include authorised test drives, vehicle inspections, vehicle delivery or collection, and movement of unregistered vehicles.

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She said such movement must be directly from ports or authorised dealer premises to designated locations.

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“Their use for private daily commuting, continuous operation on public roads, or on vehicles already sold is prohibited,” Ogunlola said.

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She noted that the Vehicle Inspection Service (VIS) had apprehended 175 vehicles for violating regulations governing dealer number plates.

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Ogunlola said the dealer plates recovered from the affected vehicles would be confiscated, while the vehicles would undergo further investigation.

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She warned that vehicles operating with unauthorised, fake, obscured or improperly used registration numbers would face enforcement action.

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According to her, sanctions include impoundment and prosecution under relevant traffic laws.

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The director urged vehicle dealers and motorists to comply fully with regulations governing the use of dealer number plates.

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She said the measure was designed to promote accountability, accurate vehicle identification and safety on Lagos roads.

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