Police clarifies tinted glass laws

Abdullateef Fowewe

The Nigerian Police have clarified the law on tinted glass use, distinguishing between pedestrians and motorists.

According to the Motor Vehicles (Prohibition of Tinted Glass) Act, anyone walking or biking with tinted sunglasses is free to “rock that look” without issues.

Police in a statement on Saturday said driving a vehicle with tinted, shaded, coloured, or darkened glass is regulated strictly.

The Force noted that the law mandates that tinted glass on vehicles must be replaced within 14 days of purchase or import unless the driver has obtained a permit from the appropriate authority, typically the Inspector General of Police.

This permit is granted only for valid health or security reasons. Driving with tinted glass without this permit is an offence punishable by fines or imprisonment.

Police in a post shared on X (formally Twitter) wrote, “If you’re walking or biking under the sun with your tinted shades on—no wahala. Rock that look!
But if you’re driving a car with tinted, shaded, coloured, or darkened glass, the rules are different.
Section 3 of the Motor Vehicles (Prohibition of Tinted Glass) Act says:
You’ve got just 14 days from the date of purchase or import to replace those glasses—Yes, including ‘factory fitted’ unless you’ve got a permit!
Driving tinted? You need a permit.
Walking tinted? You’re good.
Two different vibes. Two different laws.”

However, police advised, “Stay safe. Stay stylish. Stay legal,” and encouraged motorists to apply for tinted glass permits online at possap.gov.ng.

“Want to stay cool and compliant?
Apply for your tinted glass permit online at: possap.gov.ng,” police added.