'Seun Ibukun-Oni, Abuja
DAILY COURIER - In a bid to strengthen compliance with traffic regulations and curb incessant road violations, the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has activated the penalty point system. This directive, issued by the Corps Marshal, Shehu Mohammed, is aimed at tracking and penalizing drivers who commit traffic offences, ultimately reducing road crashes and promoting safer driving practices across Nigeria.
The penalty point system according to the Corp's spokesperson, Oluwasegun Ogungbemide today, is a globally recognized method for enforcing traffic laws. It assigns specific points to drivers based on the severity of traffic offences committed. Once a driver accumulates a certain number of points, they become subject to penalties ranging from warnings to temporary suspension or even permanent withdrawal of their driver’s license.
According to the Corps Marshal, drivers who accumulate between 10 to 14 penalty points will receive a formal warning, urging them to desist from further traffic violations. Those who reach 15 to 20 points will have their driver's license temporarily suspended, preventing them from driving for a specified period. However, once a driver amasses 21 points, their driving license will be completely withdrawn, permanently revoking their right to drive on Nigerian roads.
Certain traffic offences attract specific penalty points and fines. Driving without a valid driver’s license carries 10 penalty points and a ₦10,000 fine. Violating speed limits incurs five penalty points and a ₦5,000 fine, while driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs also attracts five penalty points and a ₦5,000 fine. Dangerous driving, considered a severe offence, leads to 10 penalty points and a ₦50,000 fine.
Beyond these penalties, records of accumulated points will be included in the driving history of Nigerian drivers. These records will be shared with countries that require driving history documentation for Nigerians seeking to drive abroad. The FRSC sees this as part of a broader strategy to instill discipline among motorists and ensure accountability on the roads. The introduction of the penalty point system is expected to serve as a proactive measure for stricter traffic law enforcement, reinforcing the FRSC’s commitment to road safety.
The Corps Marshal emphasized that beyond enforcing compliance, the system aligns with global best practices in traffic management and will significantly contribute to reducing fatalities and accidents on Nigerian roads. The FRSC has urged all road users to take this development seriously and adhere strictly to traffic laws, as the agency remains resolute in its mission to promote safety and orderliness on the nation's highways.
