A Glance At Nigerian Traffic Rules and Offences

Most times, we have heard stories from drivers, commuters, and others that they are not aware of some certain driving laws when they are arrested or prosecuted. On every road there are road users such as motorists, pedestrians, cyclists, motorcyclists, passengers and animals

As a road user, it is expected that the road is used in accordance with the rules and regulations, Every road user should be disciplined. careful and considerate to others, to ensure safer roads. thereby avoiding road crashes and or arrest and prosecution.

In the exercise of the functions conferred by (510(4) of the FRSC Act, 2007 establishment), members of the corps shall have the right to arrest ad prosecute any person reasonably suspected to have committed any traffic Offence(s).

It is, therefore, an offence to:

1. Be on any road without any lights or faulty lights, signs or reflectors or wrongful use of signals
2. Obstruct any section of the road with vehicles or in any other way that may affect free flow of traffic
3. Use a restricted road where it Is marked "one way" or "no entry"
4. Disobey speed-limits erected at road construction areas or any other road
5. Drive a vehicle without a valid learner's permit; driver's license or any other permit required by law
6. Drive a vehicle without a valid vehicle license of identification mark being displayed
7. Overtake another vehicle wrongfully
8. Disobey traffic light signals
9. Disobey or disregard road signs or pavement markings
10. Drive a vehicle, a two or three wheel cycle on any road in a reckless or negligent manner that will be dangerous to other road users.
11. Drive a vehicle or motorcycle with forged vehicle papers
12. Drive a vehicle or motorcycle under the influence of drugs or alcohol
13. Drive a vehicle or motorcycle or any mechanically propelled engine that would result in the damage to any public presence, street light, traffic lights, road signs etc
14. Engage in any act of commission or omission by motorists which may constitute hazard to other road users
15. Remove from a vehicle, the sign, "Do not move"
16. Use a road that is under construction
17. Fail to move over to the slow lane to free up traffic flow
18. Uncover gravel or other unstable materials with tarpaulin or strong plastics to stop it spilling on the road
19. Cover number plates at the front and rear sides the vehicle
20. Load a vehicle above the weight or number of passengers required by law
21. Drive a vehicle with projected load
22. Obstruct a marshal in the performance of his duty
23. Drive a vehicle with damaged or shattered windscreen
24. Drive a vehicle with worn tyres or without spare tyre
25. Drive a vehicle that is mechanically deficient
26. Drive a vehicle without fire extinguisher
27. Assault a marshal on duty
28. Corrupt a marshal on duty
29. Fail to report at designated place by a traffic offender
30. Drive a vehicle that emits excessive smoke
31. Drive a commercial vehicle without a passenger manifest
32. Use your GSM phone while driving
33. Driver under 18 years of age
34. Ply the road by commercial drivers and conductors without badges
35. Ply the road without side and inner rear mirrors
36. Smoke or eat while driving
37. Drive a double-decker bus in Nigeria
38. Fail to use your headlight s during inclement weather
39. Fail to signal when changing lanes, making a turn or pulling in front of another vehicle
40. Fail to properly secure under-aged children in an approved school safety seat or booster seat
41. Travel in a bed of a pick-up truck by any person
42. Fail to use belts while driving
43. Fail to pay any prescribed fine or other fees under the law
44. Provide incorrect address under the law
45. Reject accident victims by hospital medical personnel
46. Ride a motorcycle without a crash helmet properly strapped to the head and fastened under the chin
47. Drive with one hand