Covering number plates by politicians, govt officials, unlawful, says FRSC

By Ezurike Ugochukwu

The act of covering vehicles number plate which is rampant among politicians and government officials has been described is illegal deed that has safety and security implications.

In a statement recently issued by the commanding officer for RS4 Jos zone, of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Kayode Olagunju, described the act as illegal, warned such persons to desist forthwith as such vehicles would be impounded and the owners prosecuted.

The practice of covering number plates he said the command has observed as being common among politicians and government officials in the Jos zone comprising of Plateau, Benue and Nasarawa states.

“This illegal conduct, according to him, has both safety and security implications, adding that Sections10(4)(h) & 10(4)(s)of the FRSC (Establishment) Act, 2007 makes it mandatory for vehicle identification mark (number plates) to be conspicuously displayed on the vehicle,” the statement read.

“Also, the National Road Traffic Regulations (NRTR) 2012 in sections 36 and 39 make it an offence not to properly display vehicle identification number on any vehicle plying Nigerian roads.

“The Zonal Commander stated that such vehicle will be impounded while the drivers/owners will be arrested and prosecuted in line with the extant laws.”

Contributing, the acting zonal public education officer of the command, Terry Hoomlong, called on motorists to ensure they comply with the regulations on proper registration “to avoid any form of embarrassment” that may be meted on them.