FRSC gets legal backing to confiscate licences for Number Plate violations

The Federal High Court in Lagos has upheld the authority of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) to enforce number plate regulations, dismissing a legal challenge against the agency, NUJ FCT reports.

Delivering judgment on June 23, 2025, in suit number FHC/L/CS/2367/2024 between Ojo Victor Olomi and the FRSC, Justice Musa Kakaki ruled against the applicant, who contested a fine and the seizure of his driver’s licence by FRSC officials.

The case stemmed from Olomi’s alteration of his vehicle’s number plate through hand painting, which made it non-reflective. This action contravened the National Road Traffic Regulations, 2016, which require number plates to remain reflective for visibility, security, and enforcement.

The court held that such modification constitutes a recognised traffic offence and that the FRSC’s confiscation of the licence did not infringe on the applicant’s fundamental rights. Justice Kakaki also clarified that this case differs from an earlier ruling in Chinwike Chamberlain Ezebube v. FRSC, firmly stating that hand-painting number plates is punishable under the law.

The FRSC described the verdict as a judicial endorsement of its mandate to enforce traffic laws and ensure road safety. Corps Marshal Shehu Mohammed urged motorists to avoid altering number plates and to comply fully with regulations.

The agency also called on the public to disregard misleading interpretations of previous judgments, stressing that the ruling has provided legal clarity on the matter.

According to the FRSC, it will continue to enforce traffic laws with professionalism, integrity, and respect for citizens’ rights in its mission to create safer roads across Nigeria.