FRSC warns motorists against illegal covering of vehicle number plates

*The unlawful act is common among political class, senior government officials in Zone 4, says Dr. Kayode Olagunju, Assistant Corps Marshal and Zonal Commanding Officer

*FRSC (Establishment) Act 2007 makes it mandatory for vehicle identification mark (number plates) to be conspicuously displayed on vehicles

Isola Moses | ConsumerConnect

In view of the current safety and security concerns, and the need to protect lives and property of Nigerians, the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has warned motorists to desist from the illegal act of covering their vehicle number plates.

Dr. Kayode Olagunju, Assistant Corps Marshal and Zonal Commanding Officer (ZCO) the FRSC in Zone 4, Jos, in Plateau State, said this Monday, August 24 in a statement by DRC Terry Hoomlong, Acting Zonal Public Education Officer and Deputy Route Commander of the Commission.

The Zonal Commanding Officer observed that this illegal act is common among the political class and senior government officials in the zone, comprising Plateau, Benue and Nasarawa states.

According to Dr. Olagunju, illegal conduct has both safety and security implication in respect of Sections 10(4)(h) and 10(4)(s) of the FRSC (Establishment) Act 2007, which  make it mandatory for vehicle identification mark (number plates) to be conspicuously displayed on vehicles.

Similarly, the statement notes that the National Road Traffic Regulations (NRTR) 2012 in Sections 36 and 39 also make it an offence not to properly display Vehicle Identification Number on any vehicle plying Nigerian roads.

According to the Zonal Commanding Officer, such vehicles contravening these provisions will be impounded while the drivers/owners will be arrested and prosecuted in line with the extant laws.

Olagunju, therefore, urged all motorists to ensure that they properly register their vehicles with the appropriate authorities, and display their Vehicle Identification Plate to avoid any form of embarrassment.

He also advised the motoring public that proper registration of vehicle is of great benefits to the owner of a vehicle, especially with regard to safety and security.

In the event of vehicle theft, the robust National Vehicle Identification database, which has records of all registered vehicles in Nigeria provides detailed information for identification and possible recovery, he stated.

He also said that the database is also accessible to other security agencies working in synergy with the FRSC in the country.

The ZCO has directed all the Commands of the FRSC in the Zone to strictly enforce the laws by impounding all vehicles that carry illegal number plates and those having the plates hidden.

Operators of such vehicles are to be arraigned before the Mobile or Regular Courts where they stand the risks of payment of fines N3,000 and or two to six months’ imprisonment.

Many of the violators, according to the FRSC, are also in the habit of driving dangerously, while hiding under the illusion that they could not be tracked as the vehicle plates are covered.

Olagunju, while wishing the public safe motoring, however, reminded motorists that dangerous driving under the Act and NRTR attracts N50,000 fine, and/or six months’ imprisonment.