Key Points
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FCTA crackdown on tinted glasses nets 700 vehicles.
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Fake plates and forged registrations remain widespread.
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Enforcement aims to improve safety and restore confidence.
As part of a growing crackdown on drivers who are driving with illegally tinted glasses, phony license plates, and other traffic infractions, authorities in the capital of Nigeria have seized over 700 vehicles.
As part of a larger effort to bring order back to Abuja’s increasingly chaotic roads, the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) announced the enforcement campaign. Car theft, smuggling, and even violent crimes have been made possible by the rise in tinted cars and forged license plates, according to officials.
FCTA crackdown on violations related to tinted glasses
The Vehicle Inspection Office, also known as the FCTA’s Directorate of Road Traffic Services (DRTS), oversaw the operation at several city checkpoints. Although some types of tinted glass permits are legal, officials clarified that many drivers take advantage of the system by hiding their cars behind darkened windows in order to avoid detection.
The DRTS director, Abdulateef Bello, stated that the exercise was about “safety and compliance, not harassment.” Vehicles with inappropriate modifications, such as those with hidden license plates, would continue to be seized until their owners produced legitimate documentation, he added.
FCTA’s crackdown on fraudulent registrations and license plates
According to a report by Vanguard news, the agency discovered a concerning pattern of fake license plates and car documents in addition to tinted glass enforcement. According to Bello, some drivers have even gone so far as to copy license plates from security services and government representatives in order to evade regular inspections.
“These actions must be stopped because they compromise national security,” he stated. “We have a clear mandate: to protect lives and sanitize Abuja roads.”
The seized automobiles, which are currently parked in approved yards, will go through verification procedures. While owners with minor infractions may be able to get their cars back after paying fines, those found guilty of fraud-related offenses may be prosecuted.
Changes to maintain adherence and lower infractions
This is not a one-time display of force, the administration maintains. To guarantee long-term compliance, officials are instead organizing frequent joint enforcement with the Federal Road Safety Corps, the police, and other organizations.
Drivers and residents have differing opinions about the exercise. Since tinted glasses and phony license plates frequently give criminals more confidence, some commuters applaud the crackdown. Others contend that a system that still makes it difficult and time-consuming to obtain valid documents unfairly penalizes legitimate drivers.
However, according to the FCTA, the message is unmistakable: automobiles that lack valid permits, roadworthiness certification, or proper registration will be taken out of service.
Bello declared, “The days of impunity are over.” “Lawlessness on our roads is unacceptable, particularly as the city expands and security threats change.”
