Fresh enforcement of the motor tinted glass permit policy will commence nationwide from January 2, 2026, as the Nigeria Police Force moves to curb rising vehicle-related crimes.
This was disclosed on Monday by the Force Public Relations Officer, Benjamin Hundeyin, who said the decision was taken after a review of prevailing security challenges across the country.
According to him, the resumption is driven by concerns that vehicles with unauthorised tinted glass are increasingly being used to perpetrate crimes.
“The decision follows a careful review of emerging security concerns and the need to ensure the safety of all citizens,” Hundeyin stated.
He clarified that the police were never restrained by any court order from enforcing the tinted glass law, explaining that enforcement was only voluntarily suspended in October to allow motorists sufficient time to regularise their documentation.
Recent developments, he noted, have however shown a worrying trend.
“Recent trends reveal a disturbing rise in criminal activities perpetrated with the aid of vehicles fitted with unauthorised tinted glass. Some individuals and organised criminal groups have exploited this gap to conceal their identities and facilitate crimes ranging from armed robbery to kidnapping and other violent crimes,” the statement said.
Hundeyin quoted the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, as assuring Nigerians that the renewed enforcement would be carried out professionally, lawfully and with full respect for the rights of citizens.
Motorists who require tinted glass permits were advised to apply through officially approved channels to avoid inconvenience once enforcement resumes.
The police spokesperson recalled that enforcement was suspended partly out of consideration for Nigerians and following engagements with the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA).
He reaffirmed the commitment of the Force to enforcing existing laws with fairness, transparency and respect for fundamental rights, while sustaining collaboration with stakeholders in the justice system.
The issue has remained contentious since September, when the NBA filed a suit against the IGP, challenging the legality of the tinted glass permit policy and describing it as unlawful.
Earlier in April 2025, the IGP had introduced the policy, directing motorists to obtain annual tinted glass permits from the Nigeria Police Force through a designated online platform, subject to a prescribed fee.
At its pre-conference National Executive Council meeting on August 23, 2025, the NBA resolved to pursue the matter in court, raising concerns about citizens’ rights and questioning the validity of the Motor Tinted Glass (Prohibition) Act of 1991, a military-era law under which the policy is being enforced.
