Traffic rules around the world are made to make life easier and safer for road users. Without these laws, there’d be chaos. Driving is risky and having these rules helps reduce risks associated with driving.
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Without these rules, more havoc would be wrecked on the roads due to dangerous driving. Traffic rules help in mitigating against frequent road accidents.
To ensure orderliness and shun reckless driving, the Nigerian government has highlighted some traffic-related offences and the penalties they attract. These fines vary depending on the gravity of the offence committed.
In this article, we highlight the traffic offences in Nigeria and how much fine you could pay for any of them.
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Why We Have Traffic Rules and Regulations
The sole purpose of having traffic rules is safety. Not having traffic signs, rules or regulations in place will definitely be fatal to motorists and other roads. To mitigate such disasters associated with dangerous driving, here are some of the reasons why traffic rules and regulations are important all over the world.
Decline of Vehicle Associated Injuries & Death
One of the biggest reasons why we have traffic rules and regulations is to prevent common, avoidable auto crashes that claim lives and inflict life-threatening injuries on the victims. Understanding the basic principle of driving doesn’t make one immune from these auto accidents.
Following traffic rules might not totally eradicate road accidents, but it sure does reduce them to the barest minimum.
Free-Flow of Traffic Across Nigerian Roads
The condition of the road doesn’t necessarily dictate the flow of traffic. In a state of road lawlessness, there tends to be disorderliness among road users which could lead to serious gridlock.
When traffic laws and regulations are put in place, they control the actions of all road users in accordance with the efficient use of the road.
The Duty of the Federal Road Safety Corps in Nigeria
The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) in Nigeria plays a pivotal role in making sure road users obey traffic rules and regulations. The traffic agency was created in 1988 to reduce road accidents and to provide a safe driving environment for people in Nigeria. To simply put, the commission is charged with several responsibilities that directly affect the safety of lives and properties on the road. Some of the key roles of FRSC in Nigeria include the following:
- To make and determine the requirements needed for applicants to get a driver’s license in Nigeria
- To mitigate disasters associated with motor accidents
- To help with the design and production of vehicle number plates
- To clear out road obstructions, especially on the highways (e.g. fallen trees, debris on the road, cars involved in accidents, etc.)
- To provide highway codes and offer medical attention to victims of auto crashes through FREE roadside and mobile clinics
- To work with other related bodies in ensuring the safety of road users and the prevention of accidents
- To control the use of sirens, beacon lights and flashers on vehicles other than vehicles belonging to armed forces, ambulances, police, paramilitary organizations and fire service
- To create and enforce speed limits for all roads and also to provide and educate people on the use of speed-limiting devices
- To regulate the use of mobile phones and other devices that could lead to accident
- To enforce the use of seatbelts and other car safety features
- To control the presence or operations of motorcycles on major highways
Nigerian Traffic Offences and Penalties Associated
You can be fined for driving with a worn-out tyre and shattered windscreen? As a driver in Nigeria, it is important you get yourself familiar with common traffic offences and the fines that come with them.
Check out the below list of traffic offences and their penalties in Nigeria.
| Nigerian Traffic Offences | Fine (Naira) |
| Dangerous Driving | ₦50,000 |
| Medical Personnel or Rejection of Road Accident Victim | ₦50,000 |
| Driving Under Alcohol or Drug Influence | ₦20,000 |
| Operating a Vehicle with Forged Document | ₦20,000 |
| Driver’s License Violation | ₦10,000 |
| Assaulting Marshal on Duty | ₦10,000 |
| Overloading | ₦10,000 |
| Driving a Commercial Vehicle without Passenger Manifest | ₦10,000 |
| Attempt to Corrupt Marshal | ₦10,000 |
| Route Violation | ₦5,000 |
| Excessive Smoke Emission | ₦5,000 |
| Driving without a Specified Fire Extinguisher | ₦5,000 |
| Mechanically Deficient Vehicle | ₦5,000 |
| Failure to Cover Unstable Materials | ₦5,000 |
| Unauthorized Removal or Tampering with Road Signs | ₦5,000 |
| Use of Phone while Driving | ₦4,000 |
| Vehicle Number Plate Violation | ₦3,000 |
| Failure to Install Speed Limiting Device | ₦3,000 |
| Wrongful Overtaking | ₦3,000 |
| Construction Area Speed Violation | ₦3,000 |
| Speed Limit Violation | ₦3,000 |
| Vehicle License Violation | ₦3,000 |
| Caution Sign Violation | ₦3,000 |
| Riding a Motorcycle without a Crash Helmet | ₦3,000 |
| Road Obstruction | ₦3,000 |
| Driving with Worn-out Tyre or without Spare Tyre | ₦3,000 |
| Driving without Seatbelt | ₦2,000 |
| Obstructing Marshal on Duty | ₦2,000 |
| Riding Motorcycle without a Crash Helmet | ₦2,000 |
| Driving a Vehicle While Under 18 Years | ₦2,000 |
| Light/Sign Violation | ₦2,000 |
Important Car Documents Every Nigerian Driver Must Have
There are certain car documents in Nigeria that you should always have in your vehicle to avoid any form of delay or harassment from traffic officers and security operatives. More importantly, ensure that these documents or car papers are valid and authentic.
These documents have been highlighted by the Federal Road Safety Corps. You can also visit their website on car paper renewal in Nigeria. Failure to have these documents in your vehicle while driving would incur heavy fines.
These important documents and car papers include:
• Valid driver’s license
• Proof of Ownership
• Certificate of Road Worthiness
• Vehicle license
• Insurance certificate
• Learner’s permit
Conclusion
Traffic laws are not made to make life difficult for motorists using public roads in the country. Instead, the rules are there to guard against dangerous driving and prevention of road accidents. All of the common traffic offenses in Nigeria and their penalties are clearly stated to mitigate road disasters and ensure proper use of the road for smooth flow of traffic.
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