Tinted glass permits and number plate rules in Nigeria are in flux in 2026: the tinted-permit crackdown is court-paused, while the IGP number-plate enforcement is live. Here's what every car owner, buyer, and dealer needs to know.
You're about to buy a tokunbo. The windows are dark, the body is clean, and the price is right. Then someone asks: "Does it have a tinted permit?"
Silence.
If you drive a tinted car, or you're shopping for one, the rules around tinted glass permits and number plates in Nigeria are worth understanding before you hit the road in 2026. Enforcement has been anything but predictable. Courts have weighed in, the Police have paused and restarted, and a parallel IGP crackdown on number plates is running at the same time. Here's a clear, honest breakdown of where things actually stand.
A tinted glass permit is issued by the Nigeria Police Force (NPF), not the FRSC, and is required for any vehicle tinted beyond the legal light-transmission limits. The commonly cited thresholds:
Front windscreen: around 75% light transmission
Front side windows: around 70%
Rear glass: can be darker, but heavy tints may still require approval
By law, a permit is granted on only two grounds: security reasons or medical reasons.
The official channel is the POSSAP portal, the Nigeria Police Force's online services platform. It handles applications, document uploads, and digital approvals end-to-end.
Where to apply: POSSAP portal (Nigeria Police online services)
Cost: widely reported at around N14,200 per year (confirm the current fee on the portal)
Processing time: typically 1 to 7 working days
Penalty for non-compliance: reported in the range of N30,000 to N100,000, plus possible vehicle impoundment
Always confirm the current fee directly on the POSSAP portal before applying, as reported figures may not reflect the latest rates.
This is where things get more complicated, and where a lot of car owners are getting confused.
The Nigeria Police Force announced a resumption of tinted-permit enforcement effective 2 January 2026. Shortly after, an interim court order (Suit No. HOR/FHR/M/31/2025, dated 17 December 2025) was served, restraining enforcement nationwide pending resolution of the case. The Force complied.
Force PRO CSP Benjamin Hundeyin confirmed enforcement was placed on hold nationwide. IGP Kayode Egbetokun reaffirmed the Force's commitment to the rule of law, and the matter was adjourned for further proceedings.
What this means for you: The permit requirement still exists in law. Active enforcement has been legally contested and paused at points through 2026, but the situation remains fluid. Do not assume you are safe, or at risk, without checking the current enforcement status on official Nigeria Police Force channels.
If your car has tinted windows, getting the permit remains the safest route regardless of enforcement status.
On number plates, things have moved in the opposite direction, toward active, ongoing enforcement.
The Inspector-General of Police has directed nationwide action against vehicles with:
No registration plates
Concealed, altered, defaced, or obscured plate numbers
These were described as unlawful and a direct security risk.
Number plates in Nigeria are issued by the FRSC (Federal Road Safety Corps) under the National Road Traffic Regulations (NRTR). Every vehicle, whether private, commercial, or government, must display a valid, clearly visible plate at all times. That hasn't changed.
Plate and licence fees have risen. Confirm current rates directly with the FRSC, as figures have changed.
The legality of certain newer plate formats has been challenged in court. Keep your documentation for whatever plate your vehicle carries.
Whether you're a buyer, seller, or dealer, these rules have direct implications before any transaction closes.
If you're buying a tinted tokunbo:
Factor in a tinted permit (around N14,200 per year) as part of your true cost of ownership
Enforcement status can change at any time, and the permit is your protection regardless
Ask the seller directly: does the car have a valid tinted permit?
On number plates, non-negotiable:
A genuine, FRSC-registered, clearly visible, and unaltered plate is the baseline
Concealed or non-standard plates are a red flag for a problem vehicle, and a direct target for the current IGP enforcement sweep
If a listing's plate details don't add up, walk away
Keep your papers in the car at all times: registration documents, proof of ownership, and any permits should travel with the vehicle.
When you're buying a used car, knowing what you're walking into matters. On Mottars, listings from verified dealers carry confirmed registration details, so you can ask the right questions before you commit.
How much is a tinted glass permit in Nigeria?
The fee is widely reported at around N14,200 per year. However, this figure may not reflect the current rate, so always confirm the exact fee on the official POSSAP portal before making any payment.
Is tinted permit enforcement still on in Nigeria?
Enforcement was announced to resume from 2 January 2026 but was paused shortly after, following an interim court order (Suit No. HOR/FHR/M/31/2025, dated 17 December 2025) restraining enforcement nationwide. The case was adjourned for further proceedings. The situation remains fluid, so check the current position on official Nigeria Police Force channels before assuming any enforcement status.
Do I need a tinted permit if my car came with factory tint?
The law covers any vehicle tinted beyond the legal light-transmission limits, regardless of whether the tint was factory-fitted or added after purchase. If your windows exceed the permitted thresholds, a permit is required. Confirm your vehicle's specific situation with the Nigeria Police Force or a qualified legal professional.
What happens if I drive without a tinted permit in Nigeria?
Penalties for non-compliance have been reported in the range of N30,000 to N100,000, and vehicle impoundment is also possible. Given that enforcement status has changed multiple times, always verify the current enforcement position on official channels.
Are number plate rules and tinted permit rules enforced the same way?
No. They are handled by different agencies and follow different enforcement tracks. Tinted permits are issued by the Nigeria Police Force, and active enforcement has been court-paused at points in 2026. Number plates are issued by the FRSC, and the IGP has directed an active, ongoing nationwide crackdown against vehicles with missing, concealed, altered, or obscured plates. These are two separate compliance matters.
Windows tinted beyond legal limits? Apply via the official POSSAP portal
Confirm the current tinted permit fee on the portal before paying
Check the current enforcement status on official Nigeria Police Force channels, don't assume
Number plate is genuine, FRSC-registered, clearly visible, and unaltered
Vehicle papers (registration and proof of ownership) are complete and kept in the car
This article is for general information only and does not constitute legal advice. Tinted-permit enforcement and number plate rules in Nigeria have been subject to court proceedings and policy changes in 2026. Always confirm the current position with the Nigeria Police Force (POSSAP) and the FRSC, or a qualified legal professional, before acting.
