Traffic Rules and Regulations: Did you know that some accidents in today’s society are occasionally the result of drivers disobeying traffic rules and regulatory statutes?
I can remember the day I almost lost my life because of one reckless driver. As a driver, a tricycle rider, or anything related to using the road, you need to know that there are certain rules covering that road.
Imagine a driver turning a bending corner at full speed. What do you think may happen to him? He or she may knock down a passerby or get involved in an accident in one way or another, either by colliding with a moving car or so. Let me stop there for now, because you will find every detail in this article.
This article today will bring to the best of your knowledge most of the traffic rules and regulations in Nigeria as issued by the Federal Road Safety Commission FRSC that you need to adhere to so as to stay safe and avoid embarrassment from agencies assigned by the government to check on that.
However, the problem we are having here in Nigeria is that some law enforcement agencies do take advantage of the fact that you are not knowledgeable of your traffic rights and oppress you.
To always win them and avoid all this their problem while using the road, please I will urge you stay calm and read through this article with understanding so as to know the DOES and DON’T of the road traffic yourself.
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As I said earlier, it is no longer news that accidents on our major roads in Nigeria have become a recurrent decimal, claiming lots of redeemable lives. This happens mostly because somebody at a particular time either doesn’t know about the traffic rules or has deliberately refused to obey it.
In order to ensure order in society and reduce the rate of accidents, certain road safety measures have been implemented by the FRSC.
There are road safety rules that are applicable to drivers alone, while there are others that are applicable to passersby on the street. The goal of both is to ensure order and reduce traffic and accidents. In Nigeria, we have quite a number of rules to this effect. Hence, without expending more time, let’s get started.
Also Read:Â Vehicle Registration Process In Nigeria
Basic Traffic Rules for Nigerians
There are many traffic rules in Nigeria that are all targeted at reducing congestion and accidents on the road. Below is a list of the most basic traffic rules in Nigeria and how you can apply them safely.
1. Maintain Your Left-hand Side While Driving
This may obviously be the most fundamental road safety rule anywhere in the world. Drivers are expected to drive on the left-hand side of the road in order to allow the other driver coming through from the opposite to have an easy passageway and avoid a collision.
The idea here is based on the rationality of drivers. As you maintain your left, it is also expected that the next driver from the opposite direction will maintain his left too. With this, an accident is greatly reduced, and everyone is happy.
2. Move slowly On Bends And Corners
Another rule is to always slow down on bends. Most of the time, drivers always feel like driving like James Bond or fast and furious. And that alone is the main reason accidents happen in Nigeria.
3. Move Slowly On-Road Congestions
Here comes another rule that you must obey. Any time the road is congested, you must drive as slowly as possible while looking out for pedestrians.
4. Go Within The Speed Limit
It should be noted that there are various speed limits that drivers are expected to drive within, depending on the nature of the road at a given time. If you are around a school or hospital, it’s recommended that you slow down to avoid hitting passersby. However, when you are on highways, you can increase your speed limit.
5. Maintain The Right Distance
At times, accidents do occur because a particular driver fails to keep a fair distance from the other drivers. Hence, while driving, you must stay at least 30 feet from the other car in front of you. This is to enable you to take full control of your steering wheel and avoid accidents.
6. Understand And Follow Road Signals
Yes, every road signal that you see by the roadside represents a particular Each signal tells you something that you should do at a particular time in order to avert danger ahead. They are not just there to look at you; moreover, they are not living things.
Hence, as a road user, you are expected to understand these symbols and their applications. With that, many accidents can be averted.
7. Vehicle Plate Number
All commercial and personal cars in Nigeria must have vehicle identification number plates. These plates are mandatory to abide by the following regulations:
(a) be carried by the vehicle on two plates that must comply with these FRSC obligations, and
b) The number plate must be affixed in such a way that each is difficult to remove.
8. Rules for motorcycle
Traffic rules for motorcycles in Nigeria include:
- At any given moment, a motorcycle may only transport the rider and one passenger.
- No other weight shall be carried on the motorcycle’s tank, in front of the rider, between the rider and the passenger, or on the rider’s or passenger’s head;
- While in motion, both the rider and the passenger must wear authorised safety crash helmets that are buckled or firmly fitted under the chin.
- Motorcycles must be kept clean every time
- At night, a motorcycle rider must wear a coded reflective jacket that has been approved and provided by the relevant authorities for a price
9. Vehicle Insurance
Any person who violates the provision of this traffic regulation by driving a vehicle, trailer, stage carriage, or omnibus that is uninsured on a public road commits an offence and is liable on conviction to a fine of two thousand Naira or a sentence of six months prison time, or both.
Vehicles must be insured in conformity with the Motor Vehicle (Third Party Insurance) Act, 2004 or comprehensive insurance coverage.
Driving a car with forged or fake insurance papers is illegal, and anyone who does so is guilty of an offence punishable by a fine of two thousand Naira, a period of six months in jail, or even both.
10. Sirens
Only the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Vice President, President of the Senate, Speaker of the House of Representatives, Chief Justice of Nigeria, Deputy President of the Senate, Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Governors, and Deputy Governors of States are permitted to use sirens, flashers, or beacon lights to drive a vehicle on any public road.
Consequences Of Disobeying Traffic Rules
Just as expected, any law without a cohesive base cannot be said to be a law, but a mere proclamation. However, as can be expected, there are certain consequences associated with breaking any aspect of human law, including traffic laws.
There are certain requirements and rules set by the FRSC that both drivers and pedestrians are expected to know and obey. Hence, the defaulters of these rules will be immediately arrested by the FRSC and prosecuted accordingly. Below is a list of things that constitute traffic offences, according to the FRSC.
What are Regarded as an Offence for Vehicle Drivers?
- Driving a vehicle without a learning licence is a crime by FRSC standards
- Driving a car in Nigeria without a proper car licence or identification is also another crime
- Driving either a car, a tricycle, or a motorbike in such a reckless way that it can constitute a public disturbance is a crime.
- Having some forged papers of a car is a crime
- It’s also another serious crime to be driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol
- Driving any form of locomotive that has the capacity to destroy any public property like street lights, electric cables, etc. is a crime.
- Driving a car with overload is another crime by FRSC
- If the screen of your car is broken, it will constitute a big crime to drive it
- Driving without a spare tyre or if your tyres have worn out is another crime.
- Not having a fire extinguisher in your car is a crime
- Driving a car, motorbike or tricycle that produces a lot of smoke is a crime
- Driving a car with a double-deck in Nigeria is a crime. If you don’t know what a double-deck car looks like, look at the picture below.
As law-abiding citizens whose desire is to see our society in the best possible state, it is always advisable to play by the rules. This does not only help the community, but it also helps you, the individual, avoid any unnecessary embarrassment by law enforcement agencies.