By Toochi Ejiofor
A missing document or overlooked vehicle defect could cost you more than you think.
In Lagos, the Vehicle Inspection Service (VIS) is responsible for ensuring that vehicles on the road meet safety and legal requirements. Motorists who fail to comply with these regulations risk fines, vehicle impoundment, or even imprisonment for more serious offences.
Here are 17 vehicle inspection offences every driver should know.
- Driving Without a Valid Driver’s Licence
Driving without a valid driver’s licence attracts a ₦20,000 fine for both first-time and subsequent offenders. The vehicle may also be impounded until the driver presents proof of obtaining a valid licence and pays the required removal and storage charges.
- Driving a Vehicle by a Person Under 18 Years
Anyone under the age of 18 caught driving faces a ₦20,000 fine for a first offence and ₦30,000 for subsequent offences. The vehicle will also be impounded, with removal and storage charges payable before its release.
- Learner Driver Without a Permit
Learner drivers must possess a valid learner’s permit. Failure to do so attracts a ₦20,000 fine for a first offence and ₦30,000 for subsequent offences. The vehicle may also be impounded until proof of payment for the permit is provided.
- Learner Driver on Highways
Learner drivers are prohibited from driving on highways. Violators face a ₦20,000 fine for a first offence and ₦30,000 for repeat offences. The learner will also be dislodged from the driver’s seat.
- Learner Driver Unaccompanied by a Licensed Driver
A learner driver must be accompanied by a licensed driver. Failure to do so attracts a ₦20,000 fine for a first offence and ₦30,000 for subsequent offences, in addition to being dislodged from the driver’s seat.
- Driving an Unlicensed or Unregistered Vehicle
This offence carries a ₦20,000 fine for a first offence and ₦30,000 for subsequent offences. Offenders may also face imprisonment for up to three months, or both a fine and imprisonment.
- Driving With a Fake Number Plate
Using a fake number plate attracts a ₦20,000 fine for a first offence and ₦30,000 for subsequent offences. It is also punishable by up to six months’ imprisonment, or both a fine and imprisonment.
- Driving a Vehicle with an Unauthorised or Defective Number Plate
Motorists found using unauthorised or defective number plates face a ₦20,000 fine for a first offence and ₦30,000 for repeat offences, with the possibility of up to six months’ imprisonment, or both.
- Driving With a Forged Driver’s Licence
Using a forged driver’s licence attracts a ₦20,000 fine for a first offence and ₦30,000 for subsequent offences. Offenders also risk up to six months’ imprisonment, or both a fine and imprisonment.
- Driving Without a Valid MOT Test Certificate
Driving without a valid MOT Test Certificate may lead to the vehicle being impounded. The driver must provide proof of payment for the certificate and settle removal and storage charges before the vehicle is released.
- Driving Without a Valid Certificate of Roadworthiness
Motorists who fail to obtain a valid Certificate of Roadworthiness risk having their vehicle impounded. Release is subject to payment of removal and storage charges and evidence of obtaining the certificate.
- Driving Without a Valid Vehicle Licence
A vehicle without a valid licence may be impounded until the owner provides proof of payment for the vehicle licence and pays the applicable removal and storage charges.
- Failure to Paint a Commercial Vehicle in Approved Colours
Commercial vehicles that are not painted in the approved colours attract a ₦25,000 fine. Authorities may also enforce compliance by requiring the vehicle to be repainted.
- Driving a Commercial Vehicle Without a Valid Hackney Permit
Commercial drivers operating without a valid Hackney Permit risk having their vehicle impounded until they obtain the permit and pay the required removal and storage charges.
- Driving a Commercial Vehicle Without a Certificate of Roadworthiness
Commercial vehicles must have a valid Certificate of Roadworthiness. Failure to do so may result in vehicle impoundment until the certificate is obtained and all applicable charges are settled.
- Non-Display of a Hackney Permit
Failure to display a Hackney Permit attracts a ₦20,000 fine for a first offence and ₦30,000 for subsequent offences. The vehicle may also be impounded.
- Operating Without a Car Hire Service Permit
Car hire operators without the required permit face a ₦20,000 fine for a first offence and ₦30,000 for subsequent offences. The vehicle may also be impounded until the permit requirements are met.
For the full list of Vehicle Inspection Offences and Penalties, visit the Lagos State Vehicle Inspection Service (VIS) or the Lagos State Government’s official website.
