The Lagos State Government has reiterated its strict prohibition on the permanent or everyday use of dealer number plates, warning motorists and vehicle dealers against deploying them for purposes outside those permitted by law.
Under the Lagos State Transport Sector Reform Law, 2018, dealer number plates are issued strictly for specific, time-limited activities – namely, authorised test drives, vehicle inspections, the delivery or collection of vehicles, and the movement of unregistered vehicles directly from ports or authorised dealer premises to designated locations.
Their use for private daily commuting, continuous operation on public roads, or on vehicles that have already been sold and are simply awaiting permanent registration, is prohibited.
As part of ongoing enforcement efforts, the Vehicle Inspection Service (VIS) has apprehended 175 vehicles found in violation of these regulations. The dealer plates recovered from the affected vehicles will be confiscated, while the vehicles themselves will be subjected to further investigation.
The State Government further warned that any vehicle found operating with unauthorised, fake, obscured, or otherwise improperly used registration numbers will face enforcement action, including impoundment and prosecution under the relevant traffic laws.
The Government therefore urged vehicle dealers and motorists to comply fully with the regulations governing dealer number plates, noting that the measure is designed to promote accountability, accurate vehicle identification, and safety on Lagos roads.
