The Lagos State Government has impounded 175 vehicles for violating traffic regulations, particularly the unauthorised use of dealer number plates.
The Commissioner for Transportation, Oluwaseun Osiyemi, disclosed this on Monday, warning motorists and vehicle dealers against the permanent or routine use of dealer plates.
According to him, the Vehicle Inspection Service (VIS) apprehended the vehicles during ongoing enforcement operations. The recovered dealer plates will be confiscated, while the affected vehicles will undergo further investigation.
Osiyemi also warned that vehicles operating with unauthorised, fake, obscured or improperly displayed registration numbers would face enforcement action, including impoundment and prosecution under relevant traffic laws.
He said the enforcement was aimed at promoting accountability, proper vehicle identification and safety on Lagos roads.
Under the Lagos State Transport Sector Reform Law, 2018, dealer number plates are issued only for specific, time-bound purposes, including authorised test drives, vehicle inspections, vehicle delivery or collection, and the movement of unregistered vehicles from ports or authorised dealer premises to designated locations.
The law prohibits the use of dealer plates for private daily commuting, continuous operation on public roads or on vehicles that have already been sold but are awaiting permanent registration.
The commissioner urged motorists and vehicle dealers to comply with the regulations to avoid sanctions.