The Lagos State Government has reiterated its prohibition on the permanent or everyday use of dealer number plates, warning motorists and vehicle dealers against using the plates for purposes outside those permitted by law.

The warning was contained in a statement issued on Monday by the Director, Public Affairs, Lagos State Ministry of Transportation, Mrs Bolanle Ogunlola, and posted on the ministry’s official X handle.

According to the statement, the use of dealer number plates is regulated under the Lagos State Transport Sector Reform Law, 2018, which restricts their use to specific and time-limited activities.

The government explained that dealer number plates are issued for 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.

It stressed that the plates must not be used for private daily commuting, continuous operation on public roads, or on vehicles that have already been sold and are only awaiting permanent registration.

The statement noted that the restriction was part of the state government’s efforts to ensure proper vehicle identification, accountability and safety on Lagos roads.

As part of the ongoing enforcement of the regulation, the Vehicle Inspection Service (VIS) has apprehended 175 vehicles found to be in violation of the provisions governing the use of dealer number plates.

The government said the dealer plates recovered from the affected vehicles would be confiscated, while the vehicles would be subjected to further investigation.

It further warned that vehicles found operating with unauthorised, fake, obscured or improperly used registration numbers would face enforcement action in accordance with relevant traffic laws.

Such measures, the government said, could include the impoundment of vehicles and prosecution of offenders.

The state government therefore urged vehicle dealers and motorists to ensure full compliance with the regulations governing dealer number plates.

It maintained that the enforcement was necessary to prevent the misuse of dealer plates and strengthen accountability in the state’s transport system.

The government also advised vehicle owners and dealers to obtain and use appropriate registration numbers once vehicles are sold or otherwise become subject to permanent registration, rather than relying on dealer plates for routine movement.

The Lagos State Government said it would continue to enforce the relevant transport regulations to improve compliance and promote safer and more accountable road use across the state.