NewStats: 3,261,925 , 8,175,562 topics. Date: Saturday, 31 May 2025 at 04:59 AM 3s950

The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) has issued a serious warning to motorists, reminding them that engaging in activities like eating, drinking, or smoking while driving could land them in jail. According to LASTMA, these actions are not just careless but also illegal, as they are punishable under the Lagos State Transport Sector Reform Law of 2018. Eyes Of Lagos reports,

This stern warning comes as the agency continues its efforts to create safer roads in Lagos by discouraging distracted driving. LASTMA argues that such distractions significantly increase the risk of accidents and other traffic-related incidents, which have become a growing concern in the city.

In an official post shared on its social media platform X (formerly Twitter) on Wednesday, April 9, LASTMA reminded motorists of the seriousness of the offense. The post stated:

“Smoking, drinking, and eating while driving is an offence under the Lagos State Transport Sector Reform Law 2018.”

As part of the consequences for breaking this law, offenders could face not only the impoundment of their vehicles but also a possible sentence of three months in prison or six months of community service.

Why is this Important?
Distracted driving is one of the leading causes of accidents on Nigerian roads, and the Lagos State government is taking proactive steps to curb this dangerous behavior. With a population of over 20 million people, Lagos has become one of the most congested cities in the world, making road safety a critical concern for both the government and residents.

By issuing these warnings, LASTMA is making it clear that distracted driving will not be tolerated. Motorists are urged to stay focused on the road at all times and avoid engaging in activities that could compromise their ability to drive safely.

What Should Motorists Do?
Motorists in Lagos should take note of the following:

Avoid eating, drinking, or smoking while driving. These actions could not only impair your concentration but could also lead to legal consequences.

Ensure your focus remains on the road at all times to avoid accidents and avoid penalties.

Obey traffic laws and stay updated on any further announcements from LASTMA to keep the roads safe for everyone.

Conclusion
The recent warning from LASTMA should serve as a wake-up call for drivers in Lagos to be more responsible behind the wheel. While the temptation to multitask might be strong, the risks associated with distracted driving are far greater. Let’s all commit to keeping Lagos roads safer by staying focused and law-abiding. Failure to do so could not only cost you time but potentially your freedom.

https://eyesoflagos.com/2025/04/09/lastma-warns-eating-drinking-or-smoking-while-driving-in-lagos-could-lead-to-jail-time/

Ok

Lol , Nigerians are in trouble.

Set awon smoking up in a Benz... Odiqwa risky

Are these more important than removing rickety buses that are death traps on the street?

Lagos wan begin do UK-USA wey Dem wan copy by all means....

No one ever tells you that commercial drivers and the top echelons of your society are exempted.

Or that you will arrested while drinking water in a gridlock.

Good way to go

Very good

They should also criminalize big billboards (electronic or pictorial) mostly mounted across the road, directly facing drivers and distracting them.

Ma su ma to

Lobatan oo

Wotoporiously speaking

Mind you this message is not for everybody, it's only for poor people

Smaw law applies all over the federation. Lagos is no exception.

good move, imagining eating roasted corn while driving

zoer:
Lagos wan begin do UK-USA wey Dem wan copy by all means....

Even the America they are copying allows eating and drinking water . The Muslim people will hear whiiin in the next fasting . Imagine if someone is about to break is fast and he’s driving so what that means is that he can’t break immediately

Chewing gum nko?

Counting money while driving should be included, some mad driver without conductor think they can multitask….

Does the law apply to davido, buna boy and wizzy?
Too many laws in Lagos.

They will exempt Danfo drivers that are the number one culprit of eating and drinking while driving.

Awon Sego will be there before my driver.

By drinking, do they mean alcohol? They should be more specific. Cup/bottle holders are in vehicles for a reason. Africa is a hot place and you are even more dangerous driving dehydrated. Are they saying you cannot drink water while driving? I always have a bottle of water ready for drinking in my cup holder and a pack of water in the booth.

I hope they will catch those korope and danfo guys that eat while driving. I entered korope from oando filling station in marina to VI and the driver was eating food and diluting it with coke. These are the people they should target and not private vehicles

polyte:
They should also criminalize big billboards (electronic or pictorial) mostly mounted across the road, directly facing drivers and distracting them.

You are right, especially those 3d boards, there was one in oshodi around charity, the animation on it is that of a rushing water/sea with a whale jumping out of it, it was scary the first time I saw it before I eventually got used to it. I think people complained about it and it was removed

Using mobile phones while driving should be top of that list.

What of all those weed smoking girls inside BOLT?

Some how good. But still number one cause of accidents are bad roads.

Why are you guys not talking at all in that direct.


You can put speed camera to punish offense while the whole roads are lace with bumb and holes. It's just to generate revenue for these agencies. It's a form of taxation. If you really trying to save life from a good place, u will concern with the number one cause of accidents BAD ROADS

The govermental agencies are always looking for the weakness of drivers but not their own weakness.

Martartins:
Are these more important than removing rickety buses that are death traps on the street?

Yes, they are also important. Driving requires all your attention.

Lagos n laws without enforcement