Full List of Lagos States Traffic Laws & Fines (2024)

The purpose of traffic violations is to make sure that motorists and vehicle owners respect the rights of other road users and put their own safety first at all times. Traffic laws are in place, but some drivers still break them, completely disregarding the agencies within the government that developed them.

These rules are occasionally broken out of ignorance or because people take them for granted. The government imposes sanctions in order to protect these rules and to discipline reckless drivers and other road users. Lagos state on its part has taken a very severe stance on traffic control. This includes raising the standard of sanity and punishment for violating Lagos traffic laws for every state resident.

In this article, we provide all Lagos state new traffic laws, penalties and their various fines when violated. With this information, residents are better equipped to know what to expect when such laws are broken by offenders. Before we dive into the crux of this post, let’s see reasons or better still offences that can lead to one’s vehicle being forfeited or impounded by the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) or VIO officers.

TRAFFIC INFRACTIONS THAT MAY CAUSE YOUR CAR TO BE SEIZED

Your car may be forfeited for a number of specific offenses. The infractions that can result in the immediate confiscation of your car are listed below:

• Route violations by commercial vehicles
• Parking illegally or on the yellow line on a public highway
• Ignoring traffic enforcement officers
• Disregard for traffic signs
• Slow-moving car that drifts into the right lane
• Driving against the law’s prohibitions and disregarding traffic signs
• Vehicles crossing the center line/double yellow line
• Staying inside the yellow junction box while disobeying the offside rule
• Bullion van traveling in an unlawful direction
• Motorcyclists without licenses will also forfeit their vehicles
• Motorcycles with engines under 200 cc and those used by minors will be seized.
• A pedestrian’s right of way not being respected at a zebra crossing
• An excessive load on a commercial vehicle
• Parking or driving on kerbs or walkways

FULL LIST OF LAGOS STATE NEW TRAFFIC LAWS & FINES (2024)

Below are the various traffic offences and corresponding penalties for breaking traffic laws in Lagos state.

COMMERCIAL VEHICLES VIOLATING ROUTES

First-time offenders face a N20,000 fine; repeat offenders face a N30,000 fine. The LASDRI (Lagos State Drivers’ Institute), in addition to counseling and education, will impound the car.

A LACK OF ROUTE AND ROUTE NUMBER DISPLAY ON THE VEHICLE

First-time offenders face a N20,000 fine; repeat offenders face a N30,000 fine.

IGNORING TRAFFIC CONTROL OFFICERS

First-time offenders face a N20,000 fine; repeat offenders face a N30,000 fine. In addition to receiving LASDRI training, impounding a vehicle.

ILLEGAL PARKING AND PARKING ON A YELLOW LINE ON A PUBLIC HIGHWAY

First-time offenders face a N20,000 fine; repeat offenders face a N30,000 fine. In addition to receiving LASDRI training, impounding a vehicle.

IGNORANCE OF TRAFFIC SIGNS

Penalty: The car is forfeited to the state. In addition, one (1) hour of community service and a six-month sentence.

VEHICLE CROSSING THE CENTER LINE/DOUBLE YELLOW LINE

First-time offenders face a N20,000 fine; repeat offenders face a N30,000 fine. Vehicle impoundment and additional training at LASDRI.

KEEPING YOURSELF INSIDE THE YELLOW JUNCTION BOX (OFFSIDE RULE)

First-time offenders face a N20,000 fine; repeat offenders face a N30,000 fine. In addition to receiving LASDRI training, impounding a vehicle.

IGNORING A PEDESTRIAN’S RIGHT OF WAY AT A ZEBRA CROSSING

First-time offenders face a N20,000 fine; repeat offenders face a N30,000 fine. In addition to receiving LASDRI training, impounding a vehicle.

FAILURE TO YIELD TO LEFT-HAND TRAFFIC AT A ROUNDABOUT

First-time offenders face a N20,000 fine; repeat offenders face a N30,000 fine. In addition to receiving LASDRI training, impounding a vehicle.

DRIVING UNDER THE INFLUENCE OF ALCOHOL OR DRUGS

First-time offenders face a N20,000 fine; repeat offenders face a N30,000 fine. In addition, either three months in jail or six months of community service

WITHOUT A CRASH HELMET FOR THE RIDER, RIDING A MOTORCYCLE

First-time offenders face a N20,000 fine; repeat offenders face a N30,000 fine.

MOTORCYCLE RIDING WITHOUT A RIDER’S PERMIT

1st offender faces a N20,000.00 fine. Seize a motorcycle and obtain a release permit

MOTORCYCLE RIDING

(i) Opposed to traffic

(ii) On the kerb, median, or setbacks of the road

First-time offenders face a $50,000 fine; repeat offenders face a $100,000 fine. In addition, either three months in jail or six months of community service

TRANSPORTING MULTIPLE PASSENGERS AT ONCE, BOTH RIDER AND PASSENGER

First-time offenders face a $50,000 fine; repeat offenders face a $100,000 fine. Additional penalties include a three-month jail sentence, a fine, and six months of community work.

A MUSICAL DEVICE ON A MOTORCYCLE INSTALLMENT

First-time offenders face a N20,000 fine; repeat offenders face a N30,000 fine. Loss of the device, guidance/enlightenment

MODIFICATION OF A MOTORCYCLE’S MANUFACTURER’S SPECIFICATIONS, SUCH AS THE HANDLEBARS OR LEGS

Defaulter will pay a fine of N20,000 and return to the manufacturer’s specifications.

RIDER REFUSES TO BE ARRESTED

First-time offenders face a N20,000 fine; repeat offenders face a N30,000 fine. Before being released, receive additional LASDRI training.

DRIVING A CAR OR MOTORCYCLE WITHOUT USING THE SIDE MIRRORS, THE INDICATORS, THE BRAKE LIGHTS, OR THE REAR LIGHTS

First-time offenders face a N20,000 fine; repeat offenders face a N30,000 fine. Before release, install and fix as well as counseling and enlightenment at LASDRI

UNREASONABLY PASSING ANOTHER VEHICLE

First-time offenders face a N20,000 fine; repeat offenders face a N30,000 fine. Additional penalties include a three-year prison sentence, a fine, or both.

A TEENAGE RIDER ON A MOTORCYCLE

First-time offenders face a N20,000 fine; repeat offenders face a N30,000 fine. Remove the rider and seize the motorcycle.

USING A HORN DESIGNED FOR MOTOR VEHICLES WHILE OPERATING A MOTORCYCLE

First-time offenders will be fined N20,000; repeat offenders N30,000. Remove the horn, then install the standard specifications.

OPERATING A MOTORCYCLE WITH AN ENGINE UNDER 200CC

No penalty. Imprison a motorcycle.

GOING ABOVE THE POSTED SPEED LIMIT

Attracts a fine of N100,000. Additional penalties include a two-year prison sentence, a fine, or both.

DRIVING TOO CLOSE TO AN EMERGENCY VEHICLE

First-time offenders face a N20,000 fine; repeat offenders face a N30,000 fine. Additional penalties include a three-year prison sentence, a fine, or both.

SLOW-MOVING VEHICLE NOT MAINTAINING THE RIGHT LANE

First-time offenders face a N20,000 fine; repeat offenders face a N30,000 fine. LASDRI instruction and an impound car.

VIOLENCE AGAINST A TRAFFIC OFFICER (PHYSICAL)

N100,000 in fines or six (6) months in jail. Additionally, compensate the cop that was assaulted.

DRIVING AGAINST THE RULES OF THE ROAD OR DISREGARDING TRAFFIC SIGNS

As penalty, the car is forfeited to the state. In addition, the first offense carries a one-year prison sentence as well as state confiscation of the vehicle. The punishment for a second or subsequent offense is three years in prison, seizure of the car to the state, and the collection of data and biometrics.

UNLAWFUL U-TURNS

First-time offenders face a N20,000 fine; repeat offenders face a N30,000 fine. Additionally, LASDRI offers driver instruction.

UNREASONABLE PASSING OF OTHER VEHICLES

First-time offenders face a $50,000 fine; repeat offenders face a $100,000 fine. Additional penalties include a three-month sentence, a fine, both, or six months of community work.

HIGHWAY OVERLOADING BY COMMERCIAL VEHICLE

Attracts a fine of N50,000. In addition, three (3) months in jail or six (6) months of community service.

DRIVING ON THE KERBS OR WALKWAY

Attracts a fine of N50,000. Additional vehicle impoundment and three (3) months in jail.

PARKING ON THE KERBS OR THE WALKWAY

Attracts a fine of N20,000 with additional vehicle impoundment and three (3) months in jail.

COMMERCIAL VEHICLE PARKING OR PICKING UP PASSENGERS ON THE HIGHWAY – BOTH DRIVER AND PASSENGER

Attracts a fine of N50,000. In addition, driver’s education at LASDRI or three months in jail.

BULLION VAN TRAVELING IN AN ILLEGAL DIRECTION

Penalty is vehicle forfeiture. Additional penalties include a five hundred thousand naira ($500,000) fine or a three (3) year jail sentence (N500,000).

HIGHWAY VEHICLE LEFT UNATTENDED

N500,000 in fines plus towing fees. In addition, three (3) months of incarceration.

IN CASE OF BREAKDOWN, VEHICLE CAUSING OBSTRUCTION ON HIGHWAY

Penalty for Commercial cars – N50,000.00 plus the towing cost; Private – N25,000.00 plus the towing cost.

COMMUTER OR CONDUCTOR HUNG FROM MOVING VEHICLE’S TAILBOARD

First-time offenders face a N20,000 fine; repeat offenders face a N30,000 fine. Remove and impound the car.

VEHICLE WITH OPEN DOORS

First-time offenders face a N20,000 fine; repeat offenders face a N30,000 fine. In addition to the penalties, one (1) month of community service

DRIVING WHILE MAKING AND RECEIVING CALLS WITHOUT A HANDS-FREE

First-time offenders face a N20,000 fine; repeat offenders face a N30,000 fine. Three (3) months of additional community service

DRIVING WHILE SENDING/READING TEXT MESSAGES

First-time offenders face a N20,000 fine; repeat offenders face a N30,000 fine. Aside from that, six months of community service

COUNTING MONEY OR PERFORMING OTHER TASKS WHILE DRIVING

First-time offenders face a N20,000 fine; repeat offenders face a N30,000 fine. Three (3) months of additional community service

DRIVING WITHOUT BOTH PASSENGERS WEARING A STRAPPED SEAT BELT

First-time offenders face a N20,000 fine; repeat offenders face a N30,000 fine. Put a stop to traffic and fasten seatbelts

ABSENCE OF REFLECTIVE WARNING SIGN AT BREAKDOWN LOCATION

First-time offenders face a N20,000 fine; repeat offenders face a N30,000 fine. Purchase standardized reflective signs before releasing the vehicle as an addition.

DRIVER REFUSES TO BE ARRESTED

First-time offenders face a N20,000 fine; repeat offenders face a N30,000 fine. In addition to receiving LASDRI training, impounding a vehicle

DRIVING A CAR ON PROHIBITED ROUTES OR PAST THE ALLOWED HOUR

N50,000 in fines and vehicle impoundment. In addition, there is a choice between a year of community service or six months in jail.

NOT USING APPROVED COLORS WHILE PAINTING A COMMERCIAL VEHICLE

Fine of N25,000 is charged. Furthermore, the traffic agents will seize the car and require painting before releasing it.

DRIVING WHILE UNDER THE INFLUENCE OF DRUGS OR ALCOHOL

Offender is expected to pay a fine of N100,000. Additionally, there is a sentence of a year in prison.

BREAKING THE TRAFFIC LIGHT

Fine of N10,000. In addition, there is a choice between three months in jail and six months of community service.

OTHER INFRACTIONS AND THE PENALTIES THEY CARRY

The Lagos State traffic law clearly outlines further traffic violations and the associated fines, which are listed below.

DRIVING WHEN INELIGIBLE FOR A LICENSE

If police officers from the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) or another organization charged with enforcing traffic laws catch you driving without a valid driver’s license, it is an offense, and your car will be seized.

DRIVING WITH A PHONY LICENSE PLATE

If you are discovered and proven guilty of doing this, you will be fined N30,000 or given a 3-year prison sentence as punishment.

DRIVING WHILE USING A FORGED VEHICLE

According to the Lagos State Traffic Law, anyone convicted of operating a vehicle with falsified documentation will be sentenced to 6 months in prison.

DRIVING WHILE POSSESSING A FAKE LICENSE

According to the Lagos traffic statutes, anyone found guilty of this offense will receive a 6-month prison sentence.

DRIVING AN UNPAINTED TAXI (KABU KABU) WITHOUT A PERMIT

In Lagos, “Kabu Kabu” refers to vehicles that are mostly used to transport people from one location to another. They are not painted, which sets them apart from the well-known “yellow taxis” in Lagos. However, those who run these services are required to hold a car permit. The traffic fine for driving without the necessary permit is having the car seized.

REFUSING TO OBEY LASTMA OFFICIALS

Failure to follow a LASTMA official’s orders is a major offense punishable by a N30,000 fine and the possibility of having your automobile seized.

DRIVING WHILE SMOKING

According to Lagos State traffic code, smoking while driving is a serious infraction that is punishable by a N30,000 fine or having your car seized.

DRIVING WITH INSUFFICIENT LIGHT

This is a violation that carries a N50,000 fine as a punishment.

DRIVING WHILE WEARING SUNGLASSES

If you are found operating a vehicle with tinted windows without a “tint permit,” you will be fined N30,000.

DRIVING ON A BALD TIRE

If your tires are found to be in poor condition, you may be fined N30,000 for driving a car with one or more worn-out tires.

USING A FIRE EXTINGUISHER WHILE DRIVING

A fire extinguisher should always be kept in your automobile as a safety measure; failing to do so will result in a N30,000 fine. All cars are thought to be required to have a fire extinguisher.

WITHOUT A SPARE TIRE WHILE DRIVING

Without a spare tire is a traffic infraction that carries a N30,000 punishment.

OPERATING A SMOKING CAR

Having to pay a fine of N30,000 is the consequence for operating a vehicle that is spewing black smoke from its exhaust.

OPERATING A VEHICLE WITH A CRACKED WINDSHIELD

If your car’s windscreen is broken, driving the vehicle is against the law. The punishment for driving one of these cars is a N30,000 fine.

DRIVING WHILE EATING

Driving while eating is risky and has to be avoided at all costs. The punishment for this offense, if found guilty, is three months in prison, underscoring the seriousness of the offense.

ONE-WAY TRAFFIC

Given the growing number of impatient drivers and other road users, one-way driving is a known traffic infraction in Lagos. To avoid traffic, most drivers turn to driving one way. However, it is a traffic infraction. A three-year prison sentence is the punishment for this. It really is that serious.