Police commands in Kaduna and Edo states are set to roll out a hard‑line crackdown on vehicle tinted‑glass permits starting Thursday, a move that could affect thousands of motorists across the country.
According to a statement released on Wednesday, the Kaduna police command will begin enforcing the permit requirement at 08:00 GMT, while the Edo command follows suit an hour later. The enforcement aligns with a nationwide directive issued by the Inspector‑General of Police, Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, Inspector‑General of Police, that took effect on 2 October 2025.
Background of the tinted‑glass regulation
The tinted glass permit scheme was first introduced under the Motor Vehicles (Prohibition of Tinted Glass) Act, 2004, which bans the use of darkened windows on public roads unless a licence is obtained. The law was revived in April 2023 as part of the police’s Specialized Services Automation Project, after a brief suspension in 2022.
Under the current rules, owners of vehicles with factory‑fitted or aftermarket tinted windows must register via the online portal possap.gov.ng and then present their vehicle documents for physical verification at the state command headquarters.
Enforcement rollout in Kaduna and Edo
“All vehicle owners and drivers with factory‑fitted or non‑factory‑fitted tinted glasses must register and obtain the requisite permits to avoid penalties,” said Mansir Hassan, police spokesperson for the Kaduna command in the Wednesday statement.
The registration process requires the following paperwork:
- Proof of ownership (certificate of registration or invoice)
- Vehicle identification number (VIN) and chassis details
- Specification sheet showing the level of tint applied
- Completed online application confirmation
Once verified, the command will issue a physical permit that must be displayed on the driver’s side window. Failure to produce a valid permit will result in fines ranging from ₦50,000 to ₦200,000, and repeat offenders may face vehicle impoundment.
In Edo, the zone’s public relations officer, Tijani Momoh, Zonal Police Public Relations Officer, announced that officers will also impound vehicles lacking a permit. “The operation targets all vehicles with tinted windows, whether factory or aftermarket, across the two states under the zone’s jurisdiction,” he said.
Legal challenge and court restraint
Despite the police’s enthusiasm, the Federal High Court in Warri, Delta State, issued a restraining order on Friday, halting the enforcement pending the outcome of Suit No. FHC/WR/CS/103/2025. The suit was filed by lawyer John Aikpokpo‑Martins, who argues that the new permit regime exceeds the authority granted by the 2004 Act.
Senior Advocate of Nigeria Kunle Edun, leading the petitioner’s legal team, hailed the ruling as “a significant step in upholding the rule of law while substantive issues are being determined.”
The court’s order instructs the Nigeria Police Force to maintain the status quo until the matter is fully heard. However, the police maintain they have not been formally served with the order. CSP Benjamin Hundan, Force public relations officer, told reporters on Saturday that the force “has not received any official notice” and therefore “will continue with the enforcement as planned.”
Reactions from senior police officials
Kaduna State Commissioner of Police Rabiu Muhammad assured the public that the enforcement is about “maintaining a safe and secure environment” and appealed for cooperation.
In the Zone 5 command, Assistant Inspector‑General Salma‑Dogo Garba emphasized that the operation also targets unauthorised use of sirens, revolving lights, police SPY, and unallocated official number plates. “We are working closely with the judiciary to resolve any legal ambiguities while protecting road safety,” she said.
Impact on motorists and everyday life
For many Nigerians, the new mandate translates into extra paperwork, fees, and the risk of vehicle seizure. In Lagos, the state police command has already begun stopping cars with dark windows and demanding permits. Drivers who cannot secure a permit are being advised to either remove the tints or replace the glass with transparent panels, a process that can cost between ₦150,000 and ₦350,000 depending on the vehicle model.
Transport unions have voiced concerns that the crackdown could disrupt commercial activities, especially for boda‑boda riders and mini‑bus operators who rely on tinted windows for privacy and heat reduction. A spokesperson for the National Association of Transport Owners, who asked to remain anonymous, warned that “the sudden enforcement without a grace period could push informal operators into illegal activities.”
What’s next? Court hearing and potential adjustments
The Warri High Court hearing is slated for 15 November 2025. Legal experts predict that a ruling in favour of the petitioner could force the police to revise the permit scheme or seek legislative amendment.
Meanwhile, the Nigeria Police Force has indicated it will continue to enforce the permit requirement in states where no court order has been issued, including Lagos, Kaduna, and Edo. Motorists are urged to check the online portal, verify their vehicle details, and obtain the permit before the Thursday deadline to avoid penalties.
Frequently Asked Questions
What exactly is a tinted‑glass permit?
A tinted‑glass permit is a licence issued by the Nigeria Police Force that authorises a vehicle to have darkened windows. Owners must register online, submit proof of ownership and tint specifications, and undergo a physical verification before a physical permit is issued.
Who is affected by the new enforcement?
All private and commercial vehicles with factory‑fitted or aftermarket tinted windows in Kaduna, Edo, Delta, and Lagos states are required to obtain a permit. Failure to do so can result in fines, vehicle impoundment, or removal of the tint.
Why did the Federal High Court issue a restraining order?
The court acted on a petition by lawyer John Aikpokpo‑Martins, who claims the police’s new permit regime exceeds the authority granted by the 2004 Act. The order pauses enforcement until the legal challenge is fully heard.
What are the penalties for non‑compliance?
Motorists without a valid permit may face fines from ₦50,000 to ₦200,000 per offence. Repeat offenders risk having their vehicles impounded until a permit is obtained or the tint is removed.
When will the court’s final decision be announced?
The hearing is scheduled for 15 November 2025, with a judgment expected shortly thereafter. Until then, enforcement will continue in states not covered by the Warri court order.
pragya bharti
October 6, 2025 AT 01:27Imagine the road as a canvas, each vehicle’s windows a brushstroke of privacy, yet the law tries to dictate the palette. It makes you wonder where the line between safety and freedom truly lies.
Sung Ho Paik
October 10, 2025 AT 16:34Hey folks! 🚀 This crackdown might feel like a speed bump, but think of it as a chance to keep our streets safer 🌟. Grab that permit early and avoid the hassle later 😊.
Shreyas Badiye
October 15, 2025 AT 07:41Alright, let me unpack this in detail because there’s a lot to consider. First off, the intent behind the tinted‑glass permit is undeniably rooted in public safety, and that’s a noble goal. However, the implementation seems to lack a grace period, which could disproportionately affect everyday commuters and small business owners who rely on tinted windows for practical reasons like heat reduction. The paperwork required-proof of ownership, VIN, spec sheet, and online confirmation-while thorough, may become a bureaucratic nightmare for those not tech‑savvy. It’s also worth noting that the fines ranging from ₦50,000 to ₦200,000 could be financially crippling, especially for mini‑bus operators and boda‑boda riders. Moreover, the risk of vehicle impoundment adds an extra layer of anxiety that could deter people from using their cars altogether. The legal challenge filed by John Aikpokpo‑Martins raises legitimate concerns about over‑reach, suggesting that the police might be extending powers beyond what the 2004 Act permits. If the court sides with the petitioner, we could see a revision of the policy that balances safety with reasonable compliance. On the other hand, if the enforcement continues as planned, we might witness a surge in informal modifications, where owners strip tints illegally to avoid penalties. This could paradoxically increase road safety risks, the very issue the crackdown aims to mitigate. Another angle to consider is the impact on the automotive aftermarket industry, which could experience a sudden dip in demand for tinting services. Conversely, glass replacement services might see a boost, leading to a shift in market dynamics. The public’s reaction, especially from transport unions, signals a potential backlash that could influence policymakers. In short, while the crackdown is well‑intentioned, its execution needs a nuanced approach that factors in socioeconomic realities and legal boundaries. Let’s hope the upcoming Warri High Court hearing provides clarity and a balanced outcome. Until then, stay informed, keep those documents ready, and maybe consider a temporary removal of tint if you’re in a hurry. Finally, remember that safety isn’t just about regulations; it’s also about community awareness and responsible driving. Keep your eyes on the road, and don’t let paperwork distract you from the bigger picture.
Vishnu Das
October 19, 2025 AT 22:47Considering the multifaceted nature of this enforcement, it is essential to evaluate both the administrative burden, and the potential benefits, such as reduced glare and enhanced identification; however, the lack of a transitional period, raises concerns regarding equitable application across socioeconomic strata;
sandeep sharma
October 24, 2025 AT 13:54Get the permit now, avoid the fine.
Ajay Kumar
October 29, 2025 AT 05:01Honestly, this whole thing feels like a bureaucratic circus-colorful, chaotic, and utterly unnecessary. The police could've just sent a memo instead of turning a simple regulation into a high‑stakes drama.
somiya Banerjee
November 2, 2025 AT 20:07What a mess! This is a classic case of the government overstepping, trying to control even the shade of our windows. If they keep this up, what's next? Regulating the color of our cars?
Rahul Verma
November 7, 2025 AT 11:14They’re using the law to control us, big time.
aishwarya singh
November 12, 2025 AT 02:21Looks like a hassle, but maybe it’ll push people to think about safer driving habits. I guess we’ll see how it plays out.
ARPITA DAS
November 16, 2025 AT 17:27One must ponder the subtle intricacies of governance: the tinted‑glass permit, a seemingly innocuous policy, could in fact be a veil for deeper agendas. It’s fascinating how such minutiae can ripple through society, though occasionally my spelling slips-like “governmnet”.
Sampada Pimpalgaonkar
November 21, 2025 AT 08:34Hey everyone, just a friendly reminder to check the portal early-helps keep things smooth and avoids any last‑minute stress for you and your family.
Sagar Singh
November 25, 2025 AT 23:41Another demanding rule-just what we needed.
Sanjay Kumar
November 30, 2025 AT 14:47The data suggests this enforcement could be more about revenue generation than safety; the fines are hefty, and the rapid rollout hints at a lack of comprehensive stakeholder engagement.
Veena Baliga
December 5, 2025 AT 05:54These measures, while ostensibly aimed at public safety, appear to conflict with established legislative boundaries, thereby undermining the rule of law.