If you are a driver, you are most likely aware of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC); their officers are spread across Nigerian roads. As the name of the organization implies, they are saddled with the responsibility of ensuring safety on our roads. These safety duties include preventing road crashes, educating the public about road safety practices, facilitating free flow of traffic and generally ensuring that our roads are void of traffic related problems.

In a country with an estimation population of over 170million people, the need for traffic agencies like the FRSC is imperative. It becomes even more necessary as the average Nigerian would rather drive their car than use public transport. Our roads are getting busier by the day with more cars, leading to more road mishaps. There is the tendency to clash with FRSC officials on the road. It is important that you understand their rights and yours, so you know how to relate with them.

Jurisdiction of the FRSC

1. Arrest motorists who flout traffic rules

One of the core duties of the FRSC is to ensure that motorists adhere to traffic rules. In a situation where a motorist refuses to do the needful, they have the power to arrest such a person.

First, you need to understand traffic rules so as not to flout them. Some of these rules include obeying speed limits, observing road signs, avoiding over speeding and indiscriminate overtaking, not driving without a license etc. If you flout any if these rules, you give FRSC officials the right to exercise their powers over you. Otherwise, you are on your right to resist any intimidation.

FRSC official vehicles on patrol in town

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2. Confiscate of vehicles parked wrongly

It is against traffic rules to park your vehicle anyhow you like without regard for other road users. Do not block any road or space clearly marked “no parking. “ If everybody begins to park however they want, there will be no space for others to move. If you are sure that your car is well parked, you can exercise your right as a law abiding citizen of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. Otherwise, you have to let FRSC officials do their job.

3. Withhold driver’s license of motorists who have incomplete vehicle particulars

It is clearly stated that all drivers on Nigerian roads must have an authorized driver’s license. Without this, your driving is a criminal activity. The moment an FRSC official asks to see your driver’s license, and you do not have a valid one, that is their cue to hold you down. If you have a valid license but do not have complete papers, they have the power to cease your license until you are able to sort yourself out.

4. Impound vehicles suspected to have been stolen

Having complete vehicle particulars is evidence that the car in your possession was not stolen. In a bid to curb car theft in the country, FRSC officials often check vehicle particulars of motorists. If yours are not complete and you are unable to provide them within a short period of time, you give them the impression that your possession of the vehicle is illegal. Hence, they have the right to impound the vehicle until you prove otherwise.

5. Declare a traffic offender wanted when they abscond from answering charges

When the FRSC presses charges against a traffic offender, as a law abiding citizen, you are supposed to show up and answer their charges. If you fail to show up at the agreed time, they have the power to declare you wanted.

FRSC official interacting with motorists

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Understanding your rights

When you are arrested for allegedly flouting traffic rules, you can exercise your right under the law if you feel that you have been wrongly accused. In such a situation, you can contest the charge leveled against you by taking it up in a competent court. Your case will be treated objectively to ascertain whether or not you are guilty of the said offence. Having examined both sides of the argument presented, a competent judge will pass a verdict on the issue.

If you know that you are guilty as charged, there is no need resisting the charge because you will end up facing it in the end. The best thing to do, when guilty, is to pay the fine charged.

Making a compliant

If you feel that you have been tested unfairly by an FRSC official, there is room for you to file a complaint against the party involved. How?

• Get the name of the officer, you can find that on their tag.
• Take note of the date, place and time the incident took place.
• Provide your contact information and that of witnesses, if you have any.
• Include evidence, if you have any.
• Send it all as an email to info@frsc.org.ng, frscsocialpages@frsc.org.ng or complaints@frsc.org.ng .
• You can also deliver your complaint physically to Federal Road Safety Corps, National Headquarters, 3 Maputo Street., Zone 3, Wuse, Abuja, Nigeria.

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