Police to Resume Enforcement of Tinted Glass Permit from January 2
The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has announced that it will resume the enforcement of tinted glass permit regulations nationwide from January 2, marking the end of the grace period earlier granted to motorists to regularise their vehicle documentation.
The announcement was made on Monday in a statement by the Force Headquarters, which said the decision forms part of renewed efforts to strengthen public safety and curb the use of vehicles with heavily tinted windows for criminal activities, including kidnapping, armed robbery and other security-related offences.
According to the police, vehicles fitted with tinted or shaded glass must possess a valid permit issued by the Nigeria Police, as required under existing motor vehicle regulations. Motorists who fail to comply with the directive risk being sanctioned once enforcement resumes.
The tinted glass permit policy has been the subject of public debate in recent months, following earlier attempts by the police to resume enforcement.
Those plans were repeatedly postponed amid legal challenges, public criticism and concerns over possible abuse by enforcement officers. The police had subsequently extended compliance deadlines to allow motorists sufficient time to obtain the required permits.
In the latest statement, the Force said all outstanding issues surrounding the policy have been addressed and assured the public that enforcement would be carried out professionally and within the bounds of the law. The police also urged motorists to take advantage of the remaining time before January 2 to regularise their vehicles through the official application channels.
The police maintained that the regulation is not intended to harass law-abiding citizens but to enhance security by improving visibility into vehicles, which they say has become necessary due to the growing sophistication of criminal operations that exploit tinted glass for concealment.
Civil society groups and legal practitioners have previously raised concerns about the policy’s legal basis and implementation, calling for clarity and restraint in enforcement.
The police, however, insist that the measure is backed by law and essential to national security efforts.
As the enforcement date approaches, motorists across the country are advised to ensure compliance to avoid penalties, while stakeholders continue to monitor how the policy will be applied in practice.
