The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) recently took to their official page on X (formerly Twitter) to remind motorists that smoking, eating, and drinking while driving are offences under the Lagos State Transport Sector Reform Law of 2018. According to the tweet, these violations could lead to penalties such as vehicle impoundment, three (3) months imprisonment, or six (6) months of community service.
This public statement underscores the state’s commitment to safer roads and stricter enforcement of traffic laws. The Lagos State Transport Sector Reform Law, passed in 2018, was designed to regulate road use and penalize actions that could endanger lives or disrupt traffic flow. While many Lagosians are familiar with laws around drunk driving or one-way violations, this recent reminder sheds light on lesser-known offences that are still serious in the eyes of the law.
Driving Offences in Lagos and Their Penalties
| Offense | Fine (First) | Fine (Subsequent) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Smoking, drinking, or eating while driving | ₦20,000 | ₦30,000; vehicle impoundment; 3 months imprisonment or 6 months community service. |
| 2 | Driving without a valid driver’s license | ₦20,000 | ₦30,000; vehicle impoundment; payment for removal and storage |
| 3 | Driving under the age of 18 | ₦20,000 | ₦30,000; vehicle impoundment |
| 4 | Driving without a valid Certificate of Road Worthiness | ₦20,000 | ₦30,000; vehicle impoundment; payment for removal and storage. |
| 5 | Driving with worn-out tires or no spare tire | ₦20,000 | ₦30,000 |
| 6 | Driving with a fake number plate | ₦20,000 | ₦30,000; 6 months imprisonment. |
| 7 | Disobeying traffic control personnel | ₦20,000 | ₦30,000; vehicle impoundment; LASDRI training. |
| 8 | Neglecting traffic direction | ₦20,000 | ₦30,000 |
| 9 | Physical assault on traffic officers | ₦100,000; 6 months imprisonment or both fine and imprisonment | ₦100,000; 6 months imprisonment or both fine and imprisonment |
| 10 | Driving vehicles with doors left open | ₦20,000 | ₦30,000; community service in addition to fine. |
Under the Lagos State Transport Sector Reform Law of 2018, certain actions have been prohibited as they divert drivers’ attention, disrupt traffic flow, and increase the risk of accidents. These prohibited traffic actions include:
- Smoking, drinking, or eating while driving: Smoking, drinking, or eating while driving can be distracting, diverting the driver’s attention from the road and impairing their ability to react quickly to sudden events. This increases the risk of accidents, especially in busy areas like Lagos. Penalty: ₦20,000 (first offense); ₦30,000 (subsequent offenses); vehicle impoundment; 3 months imprisonment or 6 months community service.
- Driving without a valid driver’s license: A valid driver’s license ensures that a driver is knowledgeable and qualified to operate a vehicle. Without it, the risks of poor decision-making and traffic violations are significantly higher. Penalty: ₦20,000 (first offense); ₦30,000 (subsequent offenses); vehicle impoundment; payment for removal and storage.
- Driving under the age of 18: Underage drivers lack the maturity and experience needed to handle potentially dangerous driving situations, which can compromise the safety of everyone on the road. Penalty: ₦20,000 (first offense); ₦30,000 (subsequent offenses); vehicle impoundment.
- Driving without a valid Certificate of Road Worthiness: A Certificate of Roadworthiness verifies that a vehicle is fit to be on the road. Driving without one means the vehicle could be unsafe, posing a risk to both the driver and other road users. Penalty: Vehicle impoundment; payment for removal and storage.
- Driving with worn-out tires or no spare tire: Worn-out tires or lack of a spare tire significantly increase the likelihood of accidents, as tires are crucial for maintaining traction and control on the road, especially in rainy or slippery conditions. Penalty: ₦20,000 (first offense); ₦30,000 (subsequent offenses).
- Driving with a fake number plate: Fake number plates hinder the identification of vehicles and can lead to lawlessness, making it harder for authorities to track offenders and enforce traffic regulations effectively. Penalty: ₦20,000 (first offense); ₦30,000 (subsequent offenses); 6 months imprisonment.
- Disobeying traffic control personnel: Disregarding traffic control personnel disrupts the flow of traffic and poses a risk of accidents. These officers are positioned to manage traffic safely and efficiently, and ignoring their instructions can create chaos on the road. Penalty: ₦20,000 (first offense); ₦30,000 (subsequent offenses); vehicle impoundment; LASDRI training.
- Neglecting traffic directions: Forfeiture of the vehicle; 1 year imprisonment for first offense; 3 years imprisonment for subsequent offenses. Penalty: Ignoring traffic directions puts everyone on the road at risk by encouraging disorganized driving, which can lead to accidents, especially at busy intersections or one-way streets.
- Physical assault on traffic officers: Assaulting traffic officers not only obstructs the law enforcement process but also endangers the officers trying to maintain order and protect public safety. Penalty: ₦100,000; 6 months imprisonment or both fine and imprisonment.
- Driving vehicles with doors left open: Driving with doors open is a serious hazard. It can result in a dangerous situation for the driver and passengers, especially in heavy traffic, where quick maneuvers might be needed to avoid accidents. Penalty: ₦20,000 (first offense); ₦30,000 (subsequent offenses); community service in addition to fine.
These regulations are part of the Lagos State Government’s effort to enforce road safety standards and reduce traffic-related incidents. The penalties outlined in the law are intended to discourage unsafe driving practices. Motorists are encouraged to strictly follow traffic rules to contribute to safer roads across Lagos.
By addressing these prohibited behaviors thoroughly, LASTMA’s recent warning highlights the vital role of the Lagos State Transport Sector Reform Law 2018 in driving positive change.