Where are all Nigerian new drivers? You don’t want to get in trouble with policemen or road safety officers by breaking laws and regulations concerning driving. This is why we’ve come up with a much-needed article to reveal very important laws that you should always obey when driving in Nigeria.
New Into Driving?
Congratulations. After going through driving school, obtaining a driver’s license and necessary documentation pertaining to your vehicle, another important thing you should know are Nigerian driving laws.
According to autometrics.ng, these laws are very important to all drivers as well as all Nigerians. They hinder unfortunate occurrences like accidents which could result in loss of lives and properties. When you obey these laws, there are no accidents, no loss of lives, no traffic, even.
Without further delay, let’s proceed.
What Every New Driver Should Do
Know Your Vehicle: This is one of the most important aspects you should never ignore when it comes to driving. Knowing your vehicle takes a lot more than knowing its name and its brand. There is more to it. Study the parts of your vehicle well. Know when it needs an oil change, or when the engine gets dirty. Take notice of your steering wheel, brakes, and accelerator. Know when something is stiff or when it is wearing out. In summary, ensure that you know your vehicle.
Observe Before You Drive: Never drive your vehicle on a highway if you notice its brakes are faulty. Never drive out if your seatbelts are bad. If you experience an engine knock, have a mechanic fix it before you drive it. When it comes to vehicle problems that could cost a life, be very observant.
Obey Traffic and Driving Laws: Traffic laws are important and can never be overemphasized. Every driver must obey traffic and driving laws in order to prevent casualties. When a driver fails to do this, there are consequences, which some are grievous.
Now let’s dive into these traffic laws.
Important Driving And Traffic Laws Every Nigerian Driver Must Obey
- Never drive without a license or learner’s permit.
- Obey traffic laws.
- Always use your seatbelts.
- Never use your mobile phone while driving.
- Never drive under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
- Never drive and drink.
- Never drive after taking medications whose adverse effects include drowsiness.
- Always obey speed limits, never exceed them.
- Never drive when feeling sleepy.
- Always take observation of people and vehicles before and behind you.
- Slow down during sharp turns and bends.
- Obey all road signs.
- Never drive with a worn out car part like tires, headlight, brakes. Make sure your vehicle is in perfect condition before driving.
- Every car should have a cone and triangle.
- Obeying traffic warden and road safety officials.
These are very important driving and traffic laws in Nigeria. It is a must to obey them in order to protect your life and the lives of others. Now, let’s take a peek at some driving offenses.
Driving Offenses
Remember that if you’re caught doing any of the following offenses below, you’ve broken a law and will be punished accordingly.
These offenses include:
- Driving without a valid license or learner’s permit.
- Driving on a road that is under construction.
- Driving without number plates.
- Driving without seatbelts.
- Driving without a valid vehicle documentation.
- Driving with a faulty tire, wheel, headlight.
- Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
- Driving with a forged vehicle documentation.
- Driving with overweight load in a vehicle.
- Driving a vehicle that emits too much smoke and soot.
- Driving a vehicle with damaged parts.
- Driving on restricted roads.
- Driving without absurd speed limits.
- Driving without headlights or with faulty headlights.
- Wrongfully overtaking another vehicle while driving.
- Driving with one hand.
- Minors driving.
- Driving with a child not strapped to a safety belt or seat.
- Driving without using reflectors.
- Driving recklessly.
- Driving slowly on a speed lane.
- Driving with a damaged side mirror and rear view.
- Driving in the wrong lane.
- Parking your vehicle at an inappropriate place.
- Driving when physically and mentally inadequate at that moment.
- Driving when you’re not up to 18.
There are some documents that every driver must have in their vehicles. Let’s talk about that.
Six important documents every Nigerian driver must have
- Driver’s license: This is the most important document every Nigerian driver or car owner must have. It is what makes you eligible to drive a car. When you get pulled over by policemen, this is the first thing they request for. Ensure that you have a valid license. Having an invalid license is the same as having nothing. Take note of when your current license expires and renew it immediately.
- Learner’s permit : A learner’s permit is an authorization by law that gives you permission to drive (and learn) while you’re planning to receive your driver’s license. A learner’s permit only lasts for three months.
- Proof of Ownership: Yes, you need proof that the vehicle you are driving is yours, or for someone else ( if you’re the person’s driver or driving for hire purchase). A proof of ownership shows that the buyer paid in full and is the sole owner of the vehicle. It bears the signatures of both the buyer and seller.
- Vehicle license: A vehicle license is an official document you will receive from the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) in respect of a particular car in Nigeria. You should never take it out of your car. It is another proof that your vehicle is yours or for someone or an organization that you work for.
- Certificate of Road Worthiness: With this particular document, you prove to the law that your vehicle is capable, safe and fit enough to be driven on Nigerian roads. Always keep this document in your vehicle to prevent unending questions from policemen and other road safety personnels.
- Insurance Certificate: Although this isn’t as popular as the rest, it is also a very important document needed in your vehicle at all times.
Final Words
Another congratulations on being a new
driver in Nigeria. We hope this article goes a long way in guiding you to obey traffic and driving laws.
Which of the laws seem hard to comprehend? Let’s know in the comment section. We’ll love to engage with you.
