Web Editor | ConsumerConnect

Traffic offences are designed to ensure that drivers and car owners respect the right of other road users and make safety a priority at all times.

However, despite the existence of traffic laws, some drivers flout these rules in complete disregard to the government agencies that established them.

Sometimes, motorists flout these laws out of ignorance or from a place of taking the laws for granted.

To ensure that such laws are protected, the government attaches penalties to them as a means of correcting erring drivers and road users.

This article highlights a total of 80 traffic offences in Lagos, Nigeria, as well as the penalties that come with breaking them, as pieced together by Cheki Incorporated.

Traffic offences and laws in Lagos State in Nigeria 1

1. Violation of Routes by Commercial Vehicles

Point: 2

Penalty: 1st offender N20,000.00 | Subsequent offender N30,000.00

Additional: Impound vehicle in addition to counselling and enlightenment by the Lagos State Drivers’ Institute (LASDRI)

2. Non Display of Route and Route Number on Vehicle

Point: 2

Penalty: 1st offender N20,000.00 | Subsequent offender N30,000.00

Additional: N/A

3. Disobeying Traffic Control Personnel

Point: 2

Penalty: 1st offender N20,000.00 | Subsequent offender N30,000.00

Additional: Impound vehicle in addition to LASDRI training

4. Parking on Yellow Line on a Public Highway/Illegal Parking

Point: 4

Penalty: 1st offender N20,000.00 | Subsequent offender N30,000.00

Additional: Impound vehicle in addition to LASDRI training

5. Neglect of Traffic Directions

Point: 2

Penalty: Forfeiture of the vehicle to the state

Additional: Six (6) month imprisonment/one (1) community service

6. Vehicle Crossing Double Yellow Line/Centre Line

Point: 4

Penalty: 1st offender N20,000.00 | Subsequent offender N30,000.00

Additional: Impound vehicle in addition to more training at LASDRI

7. Staying Within the Yellow Junction Box (Offside Rule)

Point: 3

Penalty: 1st offender N20,000.00 | Subsequent offender N30,000.00

Additional: Impound vehicle in addition to LASDRI training

8. Failure to Yield to Right of Way for Pedestrian at a Zebra Crossing

Point: 3

Penalty: 1st offender N20,000.00 | Subsequent offender N30,000.00

Additional: Impound vehicle in addition to LASDRI training

9. Failure to Give Way to Traffic on the Left at a Roundabout

Point: 2

Penalty: 1st offender N20,000.00 | Subsequent offender N30,000.00

Additional: Impound vehicle in addition to LASDRI training

10. Smoking/Drinking Alcohol While Driving

Point: 2

Penalty: 1st offender N20,000.00 | Subsequent offender N30,000.00

Additional: Three (3) months imprisonment or six (6) months community service

11. Riding Motorcycle Without a Crash Helmet for the Rider

Point: 1

Penalty: 1st offender N20,000.00 | Subsequent offender N30,000.00

Additional: N/A

12. Riding a Motorcycle Without a Rider’s Permit

Point: 1

Penalty: 1st offender N20,000.00

Additional: Impound motorcycle and collect permit before release

13. Riding a Motorcycle:

(i) Against traffic

(ii) On the kerb, median or road setbacks

Point: 2

Penalty: 1st offender N50,000.00 | Subsequent offender N100,000.00

Additional: Three (3) months imprisonment or six (6) months community service

14. Conveying More Than One Passenger at Any Given Time Both Rider and Passenger

Point: 2

Penalty: 1st offender N50,000.00 | Subsequent offender N100,000.00

Additional: Imprisonment for a term of three (3) months or both fine and imprisonment, six (6) months community service

15. Instalment of Musical Gadget on a Motorcycle

Point: 2

Penalty: 1st offender N20,000.00 | Subsequent offender N30,000.00

Additional: Forfeiture of the gadget, counselling/Enlightenment

16. Alteration of Manufacturer’s Specification on Motorcycle (e.g. Handle Bar/Leg)

Point: 2

Penalty: N20,000

Additional: In addition, revert back to manufacturer’s specification

17. Motorcyclist Resisting Arrest

Point: N/A

Penalty: 1st offender N20,000.00 | Subsequent offender N30,000.00

Additional: Additional LASDRI training before release

18. Driving Motor Vehicle/Motorcycle Without Side Mirrors, Indicators, Brake Lights or Rear Lights

Point: 2

Penalty: 1st offender N20,000.00 | Subsequent offender N30,000.00

Additional: Install/fix before release plus counselling and enlightenment at LASDRI

19. Wrongful Overtaking of Other Vehicle

Point: N/A

Penalty: 1st offender N20,000.00 | Subsequent offender N30,000.00

Additional: Imprisonment for a term of three (3) years or both fine and imprisonment

20. Under-Aged Person Riding a Motorcycle

Point: N/A

Penalty: 1st offender N20,000.00 | Subsequent offender N30,000.00

Additional: Dislodge rider and impound motorcycle

21. Motorcycle Operating Using Horn Designed For Motor Vehicles

Point: 1

Fine: 1st offender N20,000.00 | Subsequent offender N30,000.00

Additional: Remove horn and install normal specification

22. Operating a Motorcycle Below 200cc Engine Capacity

Point: 3

Penalty: N/A

Additional: Impound motorcycle

23. Exceeding Prescribed Speed Limit

Point: 2

Penalty: N100,000

Additional: Imprisonment for a term of two (2) years or both fine and imprisonment

24. Tailgating an Emergency Vehicle

Point: 3

Penalty: 1st offender N20,000.00 | Subsequent offender N30,000.00

Additional: Imprisonment for a term of three (3) years or both fine and imprisonment

25. Failure of Slow-Moving Vehicle to Keep to the Right Lane

Point: 2

Penalty: 1st offender N20,000.00 | Subsequent offender N30,000.00

Additional: Impound vehicle plus LASDRI training

27. Assault on a Traffic Officer (Physical)

Point: 3

Penalty: N100,000 or six (6) months imprisonment

Additional: Pay compensation to the assaulted officer

27. Driving in a Direction Prohibited by the Law / Neglect of Traffic Directions

Point: 4

Penalty: Forfeiture of the vehicle to the state

Additional: 1st offence – one (1) year imprisonment and forfeiture of the vehicle to the state. Second and subsequent offence attracts three years imprisonment and forfeiture of the vehicle to the state and capturing of data and biometrics

28. Illegal U-Turns

Point: 3

Penalty: 1st offender N20,000.00 | Subsequent offender N30,000.00

Additional: Driver training at LASDRI

29. Wrongful Overtaking of Other Vehicles

Point: 2

Penalty: 1st offender N50,000.00 | Subsequent offender N100,000.00

Additional: Imprisonment for a term of three (3) months or both fine and imprisonment or six (6) months community service

30. Overloading of a Commercial Vehicle on the Highway

Point: 4

Penalty: N50,000

Additional: Imprisonment for a term of three (3) months or six (6) months community service

31. Driving on the Walkway or Kerbs

Point: 4

Penalty: N50,000

Additional: Impound vehicle plus three (3) months imprisonment

32. Parking on the Walkway or Kerbs

Point: 3

Penalty: N20,000

Additional: Impound vehicle plus three (3) months imprisonment

33. Parking or Stopping to Pick Passengers by a Commercial Vehicle on the Highway – Both Driver and Passenger

Point: 3

Penalty: N50,000

Additional: Driver training at LASDRI or three (3) months imprisonment

34. Bullion Van Driving in a Direction Prohibited by Law

Point: 5

Penalty: Forfeiture of vehicle

Additional: Imprisonment for a term of three (3) years or payment of a fine of five hundred thousand naira (N500,000)

35. Abandoned Vehicle on Highway

Point: 2

Penalty: N500,000 plus cost of towing

Additional: Imprisonment for a term of three (3) months

36. Vehicle Causing Obstruction on Highway if Broken Down

Point: 3

Penalty: Commercial – N50,000.00 in addition to the cost of towing | Private – N25,000.00 in addition to cost of towing

Additional: N/A

37. Commuter or Conductor Hanging on Tailboard of Moving Vehicle

Point: 2

Penalty: 1st offender N20,000.00 | Subsequent offender N30,000.00

Additional: Dislodge and impound the vehicle

38. Vehicle With Doors Left Open

Point: 2

Penalty: 1st offender N20,000.00 | Subsequent offender N30,000.00

Additional: One (1) month community service in addition to fine

39. Making and Receiving Calls While Driving Without Hands-Free

Point: 2

Penalty: 1st offender N20,000.00 | Subsequent offender N30,000.00

Additional: Three (3) months community service

40. Texting/Reading Text Messages While Driving

Point: 2

Penalty: 1st offender N20,000.00 | Subsequent offender N30,000.00

Additional: Six (6) months community service

41. Counting Money or Otherwise Engage in Other Activities When Driving

Point: 2

Penalty: 1st offender N20,000.00 | Subsequent offender N30,000.00

Additional: Three (3) months community service

42. Driving Without a Strapped Seat Belt For Both Passengers

Point: 2

Penalty: 1st offender N20,000.00 | Subsequent offender N30,000.00

Additional: Impound vehicle/Strap on the seatbelt

43. Failure to Display Reflective Warning Sign at Point of Break Down

Point: 3

Penalty: 1st offender N20,000.00 | Subsequent offender N30,000.00

Additional: Procure standardised reflective sign before vehicle release

44. Motorist Resisting Arrest

Point: 2

Penalty: 1st offender N20,000.00 | Subsequent offender N30,000.00

Additional: Impound vehicle in addition to LASDRI training

45. Offence: Use of BRT Lite Corridor

Point: 3

Penalty: 1st offender N20,000.00 | Subsequent offender N30,000.00

Additional: Imprisonment for the term of six (6) months/one (1) year community service in addition to LASDRI training

46. Wilful Obstruction on Highway

Point: 2

Penalty: N50,000 in addition to the cost of towing

Additional: Imprisonment for a term of three (3) months or both fine and imprisonment

47. Storage Charge For Impounded Cars, Jeep and Mini-Buses Per Day

Point: N/A

Penalty: N1,000

Additional: N/A

48. Storage Charge For Impounded Motorcycles and Three Wheelers Per Day

Point: N/A

Penalty: N500.00

Additional: N/A

49. Storage Charge For All Other Impounded Vehicles (Six Wheelers and Above Per Day)

Point: N/A

Penalty: N2,000

Additional: N/A

50. Towing Impounded Cars, Jeeps and Mini-Buses

Point: N/A

Penalty: N10,000

Additional: N/A

51. Towing Other Commercial Vehicles Excluding Trailers (mini-buses)

Point: N/A

Penalty: N10,000

Additional: N/A

52. Towing a Trailer or Tanker (empty)

Point: N/A

Penalty: N50,000

Additional: N/A

53. Towing a Trailer or Tanker (loaded)

Point: N/A

Penalty: N100,000

Additional: N/A

54. Towing Tippers and Lorries (loaded)

Point: N/A

Penalty: N100,000

Additional: N/A

55. Towing Luxurious Buses

Point: N/A

Penalty: N50,000

Additional: N/A

56. Towing an Overnight Breakdown (trailer)

Point: N/A

Penalty: N100,000

Additional: N/A

57. Towing Tricycles

Point: N/A

Penalty: N2,000

Additional: N/A

58. Towing Motorcycles

Point: N/A

Penalty: N500

Additional: N/A

59. Hire of Heavy Duty Recovery Equipment (Towing / Recovery Fees)

Point: N/A

Penalty: N/A

Additional: At hirer’s cost

60. Failure to Pay Penalty Within Prescribed Time

Point: N/A

Penalty: N/A

Additional: Double the initial penalty

61. Operating Vehicle Within Restricted Routes or Beyond Approved Hour

Point: 3

Penalty: N50,000 / Impound vehicle

Additional: Optional – Six (6) months imprisonment / one (1) year community service

62. Not Painting a Commercial Vehicle in Approved Colours

Point: 4

Penalty: N25,000

Additional: Impound vehicle and enforce painting before release

63. Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol/Drugs

Point: 3

Penalty: N100,000

Additional: One (1) year imprisonment

64. Disobeying Traffic Light

Point: 2

Penalty: N10,000

Additional: Optional – Three (3) months imprisonment/Six (6) months community service

Additional offences and their penalties

Below are other traffic offences and the penalties that come with them as clearly stipulated in the Lagos State traffic law.

65. Driving Without a Valid Driver’s Licence

If you are caught driving without a valid driver’s licence by officials of the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) or other traffic law management agency, it constitutes an offence and your vehicle will be impounded.

66. Driving With Fake Number Plate

If you are caught and found guilty of this, you will be fined N30,000 or you will be sentenced to 3 years in prison as a penalty for the violation.

67. Driving with Forged Vehicle Particulars

The Lagos state traffic law stipulates that anyone found guilty of driving with forged car documents will spend 6 months in prison as a penalty for the offence.

68. Driving With a Fake Driver’s License

Anyone found guilty of this violation will be sentenced to 6 months in prison in accordance with the Lagos traffic laws.

69. Driving a Kabu Kabu (Unpainted Taxi) Without Permit

In Lagos State, ‘Kabu Kabu’ refers to cars mostly used for conveying passengers from one place to another.

What differentiates them from the popular ‘yellow taxis’ in Lagos is the fact they are not painted.

However, operators of such services are expected to have a permit for their cars. The traffic penalty for not having the required permit is to have such vehicles impounded.

70. Disobeying LASTMA Officials

Failure to comply with the instructions of a LASTMA official is considered a grave offence and a fine of N30,000 with the risk of having your car impounded if found guilty.

71. Smoking While Driving

Smoking while driving is considered a gross violation of the Lagos State traffic law and attracts a fine of N30,000 or getting your car impounded.

72. Driving Without Full Light

This is an offence that comes with a penalty of paying N50,000 as a fine

73. Driving WIth Tinted Glasses

If you are caught driving a car with tinted glass without having a ‘tint permit,’ you will pay a fine of N30,000

74. Driving With Worn Out Tyre

Driving a car with one or more tyres being worn out is a traffic offence and you can be fined N30,000 if your tyres are deemed to be in bad condition.

75. Driving Without a Fire Extinguisher

Having a fire extinguisher in your car is a safety precaution and if you are caught without one in your car, you will pay a fine of N30,000. A fire extinguisher is considered compulsory for all cars.

76. Driving Without a Spare Tyre

Getting caught without a spare tyre is a traffic offence and attracts a fine of N30,000.

77. Driving a Smoking Vehicle

The penalty for driving a car that in a condition that sees it emitting black smoke from its exhaust is paying a fine of N30,000.

78. Driving a car With a Broken Windscreen

if the windscreen of your car is broken, then it constitutes an offence to drive it. if caught driving such a car, the penalty is a fine of N30,000.

79. Eating and Driving

Eating behind the wheels is dangerous and should be avoided by all means. To underscore the gravity of this offence, it attracts a penalty of spending 3 months in prison if pronounced guilty.

80. One-Way Driving

One-way driving is a notorious traffic offence in Lagos and is made worse with the rising population of impatient drivers and road users. Most drivers resort to driving one-way as a means to beat traffic.

However, it constitutes a traffic offence. The penalty for this is a prison sentence of 3 years.

Traffic offences that can lead to forfeiture of your car

There are specific offences that trigger the forfeiture of your car. Below is a list of the violations that can result in the immediate forfeiture of your car within the state:

1. Violation of routes by commercial vehicles
2. Disobeying traffic control personnel
3. Parking on the yellow line on a public highway or illegal parking
4. Neglect of traffic directions
5. Vehicles crossing double yellow line/centre line
6. Ignoring the offside rule by staying within the yellow junction box
7. Failure to yield to the right of way of a pedestrian at a Zebra crossing
8. Failure of a slow-moving vehicle to keep to the right lane
9. Driving in a direction prohibited by the law and neglect of traffic directions
10. Overloading of a commercial vehicle
11. Park or driving on the walkway or kerbs
12. Bullion van driving in a direction prohibited by law
13. Unlicensed motorcyclists will also lose their bikes
14. Motorcycles below 200 cc and bikes driven by minors will be impounded.

Therefore, for traffic offences, special courts will be created to try offenders, who will be made to serve their punishment if found guilty at the point of contravention.

Please remember that ignorance of the law is not an excuse. In addition, ensure you buy your car from trusted dealers to avoid buying cars that break down in the middle of the road and end up constituting a nuisance on traffic in Lagos Metropolis.