Know the Law
Your Rights and Responsibilities
What to expect from a LASTMA official, what is expected of you and what to do if you are stopped.
Your rights as a road user
As a road user you are entitled to fair, respectful and lawful treatment at all times.
You have the right to be treated with respect
A LASTMA official must be courteous and professional. You should never be shouted at, threatened or handled roughly.
You have the right to know why you were stopped
The official should tell you the offence you are alleged to have committed and point to the rule that applies.
You have the right to see identification
You may politely ask the official for their name and their identification. Note the name on the uniform tag.
You have the right not to pay a bribe
LASTMA officials must never demand cash by the roadside. Genuine penalties are paid only through approved Lagos State channels, never into a personal account or a pocket.
You have the right to make a complaint
If you are treated unfairly, you can report the incident. Give the date, time, place and the official's name so it can be looked into.
Beware of impersonation and fraud
LASTMA never asks for payment on this website and never requests bank or card details here. Official payments are made only through Lagos State approved channels. If in doubt, call the toll free hotline 3367.
During a stop
If a LASTMA official signals you to stop, stay calm and work through this checklist.
- Slow down, pull over safely and switch off aggressive driving.
- Wind down your window and greet the official calmly.
- Ask, politely, why you have been stopped.
- Note the official's name from the uniform tag and the time and place.
- Do not offer or agree to pay any cash by the roadside.
- If you disagree, stay calm, take note of the details and report it afterwards.
Your responsibilities
Rights work both ways. As a road user in Lagos you are expected to:
- Obey traffic signals, road signs and lawful directions from officials.
- Carry your driver's licence and vehicle particulars and keep them valid.
- Keep to your lane and to approved routes if you drive a commercial vehicle.
- Give way to pedestrians at crossings and stay out of the yellow box at junctions.
- Stay calm and cooperative if you are stopped, even when you disagree.
Treated unfairly? Speak up.
If an official acted wrongly, report it. You will get a reference number to track it.
Prefer to talk? Call the toll free hotline 3367.
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