VIO To Fine Drivers With Faded Number Plates N5k, NTA Staff Narrates His Experience

You will be arrested by Vehicle Inspection Office (VIO) and fined N5k if you drive a car with faded number plates.

VIO explained that all vehicle number plates must be visible from at least from 50 meters.

It said a vehicle number plate is not performing its function if a clear view of the numbers could not be achieved.

VIO further explained that it is the number plate that will be used to identify a vehicle that has been reported stolen.

Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) advised Nigerian motorists to apply for new number plates after every six years.

An NTA staff, Oyeyemi Ajayi, has advised Nigerian to replace their faded number plates after being stopped by the officials of Vehicle Inspection Office (VIO) and subsequently fined the sum of N5000 for driving with one.

Speaking on a short documentary to enlighten road users on the need to apply for new number plates, Oyeyemi said he realized that he wasn’t the only one that have been arrested and booked for driving a car with a faded number plate.

Following complaints by motorists over the issue, the FCT VIO Spokesperson, Mr Kalu Emetu, explained that all vehicle number plates must be visible from at least from 50 meters.

Emetu said a vehicle number plate is not performing its function if a clear view of the numbers could not be achieved.

“For example, if a vehicle is stolen it’s the number plate that will be used to identify the vehicle to report to security agencies.

He explained that the VIO has carried out series of enlightenment programmes on radio before the commencement of enforcement of fines.

“We have been going on air to explain the need to have a clear and bold number plate.

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“We don’t just come up with such decisions as there is no amount of enlightenment that will make Nigerians agree.

“Ignorance of the law is not an excuse, because having a faded vehicle number plate is an offence.

“When people say they are not aware that it’s an offence, then that’s not true,” he said.

“It is not a way of extorting money and all this is in the interest of the public and not the directorate.

“The money is a fine for breaking the law and after payment we expect that the vehicle owner applies to get a new number plate immediately,” he said.

The VIO Spokesman advice motorists to avoid using harsh materials on the number plates, including hard sponge and all types of cleaning agents.

“Car owners should avoid the use of hard sponge and all types of cleaning agents because it could affect the number plate paint.

“Car wash soap usage is better to avoid such situations,”

Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) advised Nigerian to apply for new number plates after every six years as they get faded due to many factors, including the weather as well as detergents and hard spong.

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