Court Affirms FRSC’s Power To Sanction Motorists With Non-reflective, Hand-painted Number Plate

Federal High Court affirms FRSC’s power to sanctions motorist with non-reflective, hand-painted number plate.

Landmark judgement delivered on 23rd June 2025 in Suit Number FHC/L/CS/2367/2024 between Ojo Victor Olomi versus FRSC.

Court dismissed Applicant’s claim challenging the legality of the fine imposed and the confiscation of his driver’s licence by FRSC.

FRSC says that the recent court judgement reaffirms its statutory mandate to enforce traffic laws without fear or favour.

The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has welcomed a recent Federal High Court judgement that reaffirmed its authority to penalise motorists who violate traffic regulations, particularly those involving vehicle number plate standards.

The landmark judgement was delivered on 23rd June, 2025 by Honourable Justice Musa Kakaki of the Federal High Court, Lagos, in Suit Number FHC/L/CS/2367/2024 between Ojo Victor Olomi versus Federal Road Safety Commission.

According to a statement on August 7th by the Corps Public Education Officer, Olusegun Ogungbemide, the Court dismissed the Olomi’s claim challenging the legality of the fine imposed and the confiscation of his driver’s licence by officials of the Corps.

The case arose from Olomi’s use of non-reflective, hand-painted number plate, which contravenes the National Road Traffic Regulations 2016 that stipulates that all vehicle number plates must remain reflective for visibility, security and enforcement purposes.

“The Honourable Court affirmed that the action of the Applicant is a violation recognised by law and the confiscation of his driver’s licence does not constitute an infringement on the applicant’s fundamental human rights as alleged by him.”

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“This verdict serves as a significant nod from the judiciary validating the powers and responsibilities of the FRSC in enforcing traffic regulations, particularly as they relate to vehicle identification and road safety compliance.”

“Importantly, the Court drew a clear distinction from an earlier ruling in the case of Chinwike Chamberlain Ezebube v. FRSC and firmly upheld that hand-painting of number plates constitutes a traffic violation punishable under the law.”

The Federal Road Safety Corps says that the recent court judgement reaffirms its statutory mandate to enforce traffic laws without fear or favour, in line with the provisions of the FRSC Establishment Act and other relevant traffic laws.

Reacting to judgement, the Corps Marshal of FRSC, Shehu Mohammed, calls on all motorists to desist from acts that compromise road safety and contravene laid-down regulations, such as tampering with or altering number plates in any form.

The FRSC said it remains committed to its mission of creating a safer motoring environment and will continue to carry out its lawful duties with professionalism, integrity, and respect for the rights of all Nigerians.

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