Lagos govt moves against illegal use of dealer number plates

Lagos State Government has renewed its warning against the permanent or routine use of dealer number plates by motorists and automobile dealers across the state.

The Director of Public Affairs, Lagos State Ministry of Transportation, Bolanle Ogunlola, disclosed this in a statement issued on Sunday.

Ogunlola urged motorists and vehicle dealers to ensure that dealer registration plates were used strictly for purposes permitted under the law, warning that their misuse would attract sanctions.

She explained that the Lagos State Transport Sector Reform Law, 2018, limits the use of dealer plates to specific activities and within defined periods.

According to her, approved uses include authorised vehicle test drives, inspections, delivery or collection of vehicles, as well as the movement of unregistered vehicles directly from ports or licensed dealership premises to approved destinations.

She stressed that dealer plates could not legally be used for routine private transportation or unrestricted movement on public roads.

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

She disclosed that the Vehicle Inspection Service had impounded 175 vehicles for allegedly violating regulations governing dealer number plates.

According to her, the dealer plates recovered from the affected vehicles would be confiscated, while the vehicles would be subjected to further investigation.

Ogunlola also warned motorists against operating vehicles with unauthorised, counterfeit, concealed or improperly displayed registration numbers.

She said violators could face enforcement measures, including vehicle impoundment and prosecution under applicable traffic laws.

The ministry urged motorists and vehicle dealers to familiarise themselves with the regulations and ensure full compliance with the approved conditions for using dealer number plates.

Ogunlola said strict enforcement was necessary to strengthen vehicle identification, promote accountability and enhance safety across Lagos roads.