FRSC, VIO, or Police: Who Really Has the Right to Check Your Driver’s Licence?

FRSC, VIO, or Police: Who Really Has the Right to Check Your Driver’s Licence?

By TOP TORI 

In Nigeria, many drivers are often confused about which agency can legally check their driver’s licence. While all enforcement agencies can request to see your licence, there are specific roles and limits for each:

1. Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC)

The FRSC is the primary agency responsible for road safety, driver licensing, and vehicle regulation. They have full authority to stop drivers, check licences, and enforce compliance with traffic laws. Refusing an FRSC officer during a lawful stop can lead to fines or further legal action.

2. Vehicle Inspection Officers (VIO)

VIOs operate under state governments and primarily ensure vehicles are roadworthy and compliant with state traffic laws. They can request to see your driver’s licence, particularly during vehicle inspection or roadworthiness enforcement. However, their authority is limited to state-specific regulations and they are not the primary licensing authority.

3. Police

Regular police officers, including traffic police, can request your driver’s licence, especially during traffic stops, checkpoints, or when a traffic offence occurs. While they can enforce penalties, they are secondary to the FRSC in driver licensing matters.

Refusing to Present Your Licence

FRSC: Non-compliance can result in fines, vehicle impoundment, or prosecution under the FRSC Act.

VIO: Refusal can attract fines, vehicle seizure, or being turned back at checkpoints.

Police: Refusal may lead to arrest, fines, or being charged for driving without a licence.

Bottom line: All three agencies can legally ask to see your driver’s licence, but the FRSC is the primary authority. VIO and police checks should always be within their enforcement scope. Drivers are advised to always carry a valid licence to avoid unnecessary conflicts or legal consequences.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

WAEC Announces Job Vacancies (Apply Now)

Image
The West African Examinations Council (WAEC) has announced multiple job openings across its Nigeria National Office, calling on qualified professionals to apply for positions that cut across administration, finance, auditing, and medical services. In a statement released from its Headquarters in Accra, Ghana, the Council said the recruitment exercise aims to strengthen operations in Nigeria and uphold WAEC’s standards in educational assessment across West Africa. Applications are to be submitted online via https://www.waecnigeria.org/jobs/applink on or before Tuesday, November 21, 2025 at 10:00 a.m. The Council noted that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. General requirements WAEC emphasized that all applicants must: Be proficient in modern office software and web-based systems. Possess excellent communication, analytical, and interpersonal skills. Have five credits in WASSCE/SSCE/GCE ‘O’ Level, including English Language and Mathematics at a sitting, or six c...
Read more

APPLY: Nigerian Army Announces 2026 Recruitment Exercise For Short Service Intake

Image
The Nigerian Army has officially commenced applications for its Short Service Combatant Commission (SSC) Course 49/2026, inviting qualified Nigerians to apply and serve as commissioned officers . The recruitment, which began on October 9, 2025, will close on November 12, 2025, and is open to both serving military personnel and eligible civilians who meet the required qualifications. Applicants must be Nigerian citizens by birth, aged between 23 and 27 years as of January 9, 2026. Civilian candidates are also required to submit letters of attestation from credible individuals such as a Local Government Chairman, Secretary, or senior military/police officer not below the rank of Lieutenant Colonel or Assistant Commissioner of Police. Successful candidates will undergo intensive military training before commissioning into combat and combat-support roles within the Nigerian Army. Basic Requirements: Must be medically, physically, and mentally fit. Minimum height: 1....
Read more

Federal Ministry of Works Announces Recruitment 2025 (Nationwide)

Image
The Federal Ministry of Works is recruiting unemployed graduates and skilled artisans across Nigeria under its Capacity Building & On-Site Training Programme. Applicants must: - Be Nigerian citizens aged 18 to 35 years - Possess a BSc, BEng, BA, or HND in Mechanical Engineering or a related discipline - Be unemployed at the time of application - Have NYSC completion, exemption, or exclusion certificate What You Get – Monthly stipend – Hands-on training on federal projects – Mentorship & certification – Priority for future government/contractor roles Deadline: Not specified (apply early) How to Apply for Federal Ministry of Works Recruitment 2025 Qualified and interested applicants should submit their applications via email. Application Email: registryfmw@fmw.gov.ng Email Subject: Use the Job Title you are applying for as the subject of the email. Required Documents Curriculum Vitae (CV) Academic certificates NYSC certificate or exemption letter Recent passport photo...
Read more