175 Vehicles seized as Lagos intensifies crackdown on illegal dealer Number Plates

The Lagos State Government has warned motorists and vehicle dealers against the illegal or permanent use of dealer number plates, saying violators risk having their vehicles impounded and facing prosecution.

The warning followed the apprehension of 175 vehicles by the Vehicle Inspection Service (VIS) for allegedly violating regulations governing the use of dealer number plates.

The state government, in a statement by the Director, Public Affairs, Ministry of Transportation, Bolanle Ogunlola, said dealer number plates were issued strictly for limited and authorised purposes.

According to the government, the plates may be used for authorised test drives, vehicle inspections, delivery or collection of vehicles, and movement of unregistered vehicles from ports or authorised dealer premises to designated locations.

It stressed that dealer plates must not be used for private daily commuting, continuous operation on public roads or on vehicles that have already been sold and are merely awaiting permanent registration.

The government said the dealer plates recovered from the 175 vehicles would be confiscated, while the affected vehicles would undergo further investigation.

It also warned that vehicles found operating with unauthorised, fake, obscured or improperly used registration numbers would face enforcement measures, including impoundment and prosecution under applicable traffic laws.

The government said the enforcement was aimed at strengthening accountability and ensuring that vehicles operating on Lagos roads could be properly identified.

It urged vehicle dealers and motorists to comply with the regulations, stressing that proper use of registration numbers was essential to vehicle identification and road safety.

The state government said the enforcement would continue as part of efforts to ensure compliance with regulations governing the transport sector across Lagos.