Good news for drivers in Nigeria! The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) is not allowed to punish or seize cars for having faded license plates, according to a ruling by the Federal High Court in Lagos. This ruling clarifies a contentious subject and was delivered by Justice Akintayo Aluko.
The backstory is as follows: Chinwike Ezebube, a lawyer, filed a lawsuit earlier in 2024 after the FRSC fined some drivers for using faded license plates. Ezebube contended that as the FRSC is legally the only manufacturer of these plates, it ought to be in charge of their caliber. He said it was unreasonable to blame drivers for faded license plates that resulted from poor production.
Although drivers must replace fading plates through the FRSC, Justice Aluko concurred, holding that the organization lacks the authority to penalize or impound cars for the problem. The court stressed that the FRSC should be in charge of creating long-lasting license plates and replacing those that have faded at no additional expense to drivers.
Many see this ruling as a victory for justice. Why should drivers bear the consequences of an uncontrollable situation? If you purchase a shoe and it wears out too soon, you will be penalized for wearing it?
Don’t worry, no one is towing your vehicle if your license plate appears a little worn out. Just make sure you get it replaced by going to the right FRSC office. In addition to protecting drivers, this decision makes the agency responsible for its part in creating high-quality materials.
Faded license plates are not a crime, so drive carefully!
