Are you a licensed driver and car owner in Nigeria? Knowing and adhering to the traffic rules in Nigeria is the best way you can reduce the chances of landing in prison or paying heavy fines to the authorities.
Or worse, ending up as a casualty of a motor accident.
Traffic rules
These refer to the general practices and procedures that road users must follow. They were created for the safety of the driver, passengers, and also pedestrians.Â
Most importantly, if you are just starting out learning to drive, you must know the basic rules to drive safely on the road. If not, the FRSC (Federal Road Safety Corps) and other law enforcement can make you their next victim.
And I mean victim because you go see pepper.
These are the rules that are mandatory to follow:
Don’t use your phone while driving
Cell phones constitute a distraction and a major cause of auto accidents. People often forget this rule; in fact, most people do not adhere to it. If there was an award for the most ignored of the traffic rules in Nigeria, this would carry first every time.
However, it should be at the top of your list to follow. Many drivers have gotten themselves into accidents because of their heavy usage of cell phones while driving.
A study recently revealed that cell phone use while driving leads to 1.6 million road accidents each year.Â
SEE: Funniest Nigerian Traffic Rules
Obey traffic lights
The purpose of traffic lights is to bring about organization on the road. Red means stop, yellow means get ready and green means go. Simple as ABC.
Not in Nigeria, though, and definitely not for okada riders. If there is no LASTMA nearby to provide two-factor authentication, you can bet that most people will drive on like the lights are just there for decoration. Meanwhile, the punishment for breaking this law is a fine or imprisonment for three months.
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Don’t drive under the influence
You want to shayo on the go abi? I pity your condition. Alcohol has a lot of negative effects (like I need to tell you) which can cause auto accidents.
All your senses need to be working while driving, especially sight. Alcohol alters said sight. You start seeing double, maybe even Jesus behind the wheel.
When you drive under the influence, you are endangering your life and other drivers. However, lots of drivers, especially commercial bus drivers, flout this rule with impunity. In fact, I dare you to present a danfo driver who hasn’t had one or two shots before coming to work.
Drinking while driving can lead to imprisonment for a DUI or paying a heavy fine. You may also have your car impounded.
Additionally, you are not allowed to eat while driving, though it beats me why you would want to. Are you a goat?
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Always Use Your Seat Belt
Okay, I take my words back. This is probably the most ignored of the traffic rules in Nigeria. Most people don’t remember they have seat belts until they see the cream and brown uniform of a LASTMA official nearby.
Seat belts are life savers. They keep you from getting thrown back and forth when your car is about to crash.
This rule is for your safety and also for your passengers. Failure to use a seatbelt is bound to land you in trouble with Nigerian traffic marshals.
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Avoid ‘One Way’ or ‘No Entry
Hehe. Lagos drivers left the group chat.
To beat traffic, especially in a populous city like Lagos, many drivers have formed the habit of taking shortcuts like using roads marked as ‘one way’ or ‘no entry.’
Commercial drivers are guilty of this. If you do this, you may get into trouble and pay a heavy fine.
Overspeeding
Overspeeding is deliberately driving your car over the state’s speed limit. However, most drivers see speed limits as nothing more than decorations to give the road some color.
Disobeying speed limits could land you on the wrong side of the law. One must be cautious on the Nigerian road, especially with heavy vehicles (tankers and trailers). Overspeeding not only endangers your life, but also that of pedestrians.
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Driving without a license
Every driver is expected to have a license available upon request by a road safety Marshal.
It is an offense to drive a vehicle without a valid driver’s license/learner’s permit as required by law. This is something young people are usually guilty of. If caught, you may face suspension and not be able to drive for six months, or you may be fined up to N50,000.
Driving with faulty car parts
Driving with bad car parts can lead to serious accidents. Not many know it is a rule, but it is, and a very important one at that. Your tires are most important to watch, along with the headlights and windscreen.
Taking proper care of your vehicle is not only about extending your car’s lifespan. It’s also about keeping you safe while you are driving the car.
Before you step into your car for a drive, make sure the car is in a safe condition.
Wait for the Zebra crossing
The striped zebra print on the road is meant for pedestrians at several road interjections. Zebra crossing enables them to be able to cross without difficulty. The law states that cars are meant to wait, but Nigerian drivers often ignore this law.
After all, are you a zebra?
You may not know but failure to follow this rule attracts N30,000.
Must have a license plate
All cars are required to have a license plate issued by the authorities, whether standard or vanity.
ALSO READ: Vanity Plates in Nigeria: For the Big Boys Alone
This could follow the standards of plates and must also be attached well to the vehicle. Note that your license plate must not be fake, if not you may attract serious fines.
Be particular about Sirens
We bet you didn’t know that if you’re driving, you cannot use a siren unless you’re a federal government authority or you drive an ambulance. This is another important one of the traffic rules in Nigeria.
If you do so, you may have your car impounded.
Other important rules you must follow in order to drive safely in Nigeria include;
- You must have all your driving documents with you at all times.
- You must have a fire extinguisher in your car
- You must not obstruct traffic
- You must not assault a road vehicle staff.
- Don’t drive on BRT lanes or walkways.
Conclusion
Driving is a very serious activity. Above are the requirements and rules by FRSC that both drivers and pedestrians are expected to know and obey. If you default, you will face prosecution accordingly.
