By Toochi Ejiofor
Edited by Bababunmi Agbebi
As a driver, how many Lagos traffic laws do you know?
Traffic laws are made to ensure road safety and order among motorists. However, many break these laws daily due to a lack of knowledge.
When broken, the offender is then subject to certain penalties and fines. Some offences carry fines of up to ₦100,000, while more serious violations can result in vehicle forfeiture or even imprisonment.
Here are 10 traffic offences every Lagos driver should know and the penalties and fines they attract:
- Smoking While Driving
Smoking behind the wheel can attract a ₦20,000 fine for a first offence and ₦30,000 for subsequent offences.
- Failing to Yield to Pedestrians at a Zebra Crossing
Drivers who fail to stop for pedestrians at designated zebra crossings risk a ₦20,000 fine for a first offence and ₦30,000 for repeat offences.
- Disobeying Traffic Control Personnel
Ignoring lawful directives from traffic officers carries a ₦20,000 fine for a first offence and ₦30,000 for subsequent offences. The offending vehicle may also be impounded.
- Route Violation by Commercial Vehicles
Commercial drivers who operate outside approved routes face a ₦20,000 fine for a first offence and ₦30,000 for repeat offences.
- Parking on Walkways or Kerbs
Parking on pedestrian walkways or kerbs attracts a ₦20,000 fine.
- Driving on Walkways or Kerbs
Using pedestrian walkways or kerbs as driving lanes is a more serious offence and attracts a ₦50,000 fine.
- Making or Receiving Phone Calls While Driving
Using a handheld mobile phone while driving without a hands-free device attracts a ₦20,000 fine for a first offence and ₦30,000 for subsequent offences.
- Wrongful Overtaking
Improperly overtaking another vehicle can result in a ₦100,000 fine, making it one of the costliest traffic offences in Lagos.
- Illegal U-Turns
Making an unauthorised U-turn attracts a ₦20,000 fine for a first offence and ₦30,000 for repeat offences. Offenders may also be required to undergo driver training.
Driving in a direction prohibited by the Lagos State Road Traffic Law is among the most severe offences. A first-time offender risks forfeiture of the vehicle to the state and up to one year imprisonment. Repeat offenders face up to three years imprisonment, forfeiture of the vehicle, and biometric data capture.
For the complete list of traffic offences and applicable penalties, visit LASTMA’s official website.
