It is general knowledge that for all vehicles before they can freely move on the road of any country the vehicle needs to be registered by the government and the driver must get licensed. Also, there are a few documents all drivers must possess to certify that their vehicle is registered and in good condition.
Table of Contents
Registration Requirements:
- Obtain and complete Form MVA01
- Pay the prescribed fee
- Submit certificate of payment or exemption from import duty by Customs and Excise
- Obtain a valid insurance certificate
- Obtain roadworthiness certificate in case of commercial vehicle
Vehicle Identification Mark (Number Plate)
- The number plate is a vehicle identification mark. It is reflective to improve safety at night.
- The colour code is used to differentiate various categories of vehicles and the security watermark is meant to deter forgery.
- The first two and the last three digits are alphabets, the middle are three numerals. It is alpha-numeric.
- The last three alphabets represent the Local Government or Licensing Office where the vehicle is registered.
| Types | Background | Lettering |
| Temporary | Black | White |
| Private | White | Blue |
| Commercial | White | Red |
| Goverment | White | Green |
| Armed Forces/Paramilitary | White | Black |
Temporary Number Plate
This is obtained whenever the original number plate is lost.
Procedure for Obtaining a Temporary Number Plate:
- Apply to the licensing authority with a sworn court affidavit and a police report.
- In the course of processing the number plate, write the number on a black background with white lettering.
- There must be evidence that the person is processing a new one.
Vehicle Identification Tag
This is a sticker having the same alphanumeric number as the number plate. It is an added security device to prevent illegal transfer of number plates. It is affixed to the rear windscreen.
Proof of Ownership
It is a certificate designed to provide ultimate proof of ownership of a vehicle. It is a product of information provided on form MVA01 used in vehicle registration.
Vehicle Licence
Shows that the appropriate road tax has been paid. It is pre-formatted in categories (truck, car, bus etc). It carries the description of the vehicle like colour, engine and chassis number.
Road Worthiness Certificate
Regular inspection of vehicles is required to ascertain their roadworthiness. The successful vehicle is issued a certificate which is affixed to the certified vehicle.
Road Worthiness Validity Tag
A vehicle that passes a roadworthiness test is also issued a validity tag which is pasted on the screen of the vehicle to save time during road checks.
Special Number Plate
- Obtain and complete Form MVA01
- Pay prescribed fee
- Obtain vehicle registration book
- Obtain a current certificate of insurance
- Obtain a roadworthiness certificate
Routine Inspection For Road Worthiness
Vehicle Inspection Requirements
- Present vehicle at VIO’s office (Vehicle Inspection Officer’s office)
- Pay the prescribed fee at MLA
The test may be a road test, visual test or computer.
- The test shall focus on the serviceability of the vehicle. the Chassis and engine. Electrical parts, Transmission, Brake system and safety devices.
- Inspection for roadworthiness certificate is carried out and a validity tag is affixed to the certificated vehicle.
- It is repeated every 6 months for commercial vehicles and annually for other vehicles older than 4 years from the date of manufacture, except those of exempted bodies/organisations.
Vehicle Insurance
- Third-Party Motor Insurance: This policy covers damage to third parties arising from auto crashes Here, only the third party is indemnified.
- Fire and Theft Insurance: This policy covers risks associated with damage to a vehicle through fire and/or theft. Third-party liability is also covered.
- Comprehensive Insurance: This is a policy covering risks on vehicles such as third-party liability, and fire. theft and in some cases, diminution in value of the vehicle.
The more frequently you are involved in an accident, the less the value of your vehicle. Do not obtain an insurance policy from an unauthorised source.
Vehicle Checklist
Certain gadgets are expected to be carried in every vehicle at all times to meet the requirements of the law. These include:
- Warning triangle (c-caution)
- Fire extinguisher
- Jack
- Spare tyre
- First Aid kit
- Wheel spanner
- Water
- Hydraulic
- Transmission fluid
- Torchlight
- Spare fan belt
A. Warning Triangle: To warn motorists that there is a breakdown.
B. Fire Extinguisher: There are two types of fire extinguishers: Dry powder-80F Liquid gas, which each vehicle is expected to carry with a required number of units and sizes.
| VEHICLE | NO./REQUIRED | SIZE |
| *Articulated | 2 units | 9 kg |
| *Lorries | 2 units | 6 kg |
| *Luxury buses | 2 units | 6 kg |
| *Medium buses | 1 unit | 2 kg |
| *Light goods Vans | 1 unit | 1 kg |
| *Taxis | 1 unit | 1 kg |
| *Cars | 1 unit | 1 kg |
C. First Aid Kits: The basic knowledge of first aid is among the most useful skills you can have as a driver.
A First Aid kit should contain the following items:
- Pair of scissors
- Safety pins
- Iodine
- Cotton wool
- Handkerchiefs
- Plasters/dressing for wounds
- Splints
- Bandage
- Disposable gloves
- Razor blades
- Adhesive tapes
- Aspirin/ Paracetamol
- Antibiotic ointment
- Antiseptic
- Petroleum jelly
- Antibacterial Soap
- Latex gloves / Facial mask
Note that some of these items are consumables therefore, there is a need to constantly check and replenish them. Pay attention to items with expiring dates.
D. Spare tyre: A vehicle must always have a spare tyre.
Ensure that the pressure on all tyres including the spare is at maximum stability and road-holding. Under-inflated tyres cause tyre bursts and over-inflated tyre wears rapidly at the centre of the thread. This can cause damage to the tyre casing
E. Jack: the gadget enables you to change your tyre when you need to.
F. Wheel spanner: this is used along with the jack to unscrew wheel nuts and tighten them as the need arises.
