Enforcement of the tinted glass permit policy will resume nationwide on the 2nd of January 2026, as the Nigeria Police Force,NPF, moves to tighten security measures in response to a rise in crimes linked to the use of vehicles with concealed interiors.
The police announced the decision in a statement issued on Monday by the Force Public Relations Officer, Benjamin Hundeyin, who said the move followed an internal review of prevailing security challenges and recent crime trends across the country.
He said the renewed enforcement is intended to enhance public safety and support effective policing.
The tinted glass permit policy requires motorists whose vehicles have shaded or darkened windows to obtain official authorisation from the police.
The regulation is rooted in existing traffic and security laws that restrict the use of heavily tinted glass, except in cases approved for medical, security or professional reasons.
Security agencies have long maintained that vehicles with tinted windows are frequently used in crimes such as kidnapping, armed robbery and one-chance scams, as the darkened glass limits visibility and conceals the identity of occupants.
The police say regulating such vehicles will improve surveillance, deter criminal activity and aid faster response during security operations.
Enforcement of the policy has been inconsistent in recent years.
Earlier in 2025, the NPF reintroduced the issuance of tinted glass permits through a digital platform designed to reduce physical contact, limit extortion and improve transparency.
The relaunch was accompanied by a grace period for motorists to regularise their documentation, which was later extended several times following public complaints and operational challenges.
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The policy also faced legal hurdles. In October 2025, a Federal High Court issued an interim order halting enforcement pending the determination of a suit challenging the legality of the permit requirement.
In compliance, the police suspended enforcement and entered consultations with stakeholders, including the Nigerian Bar Association, to address concerns surrounding the policy.
The latest announcement signals the end of that suspension. Hundeyin said the January 2026 timeline provides sufficient notice for motorists to obtain the necessary permits while allowing the police to conclude administrative reviews and stakeholder engagements carried out during the pause.
The police urged vehicle owners with tinted windows to ensure compliance before the enforcement date, warning that violations would attract sanctions once the policy takes effect.
The force also reiterated its commitment to professionalism, stressing that the permit process would continue to rely on digital verification systems to promote accountability.
As enforcement resumes, the policy is expected to rekindle debate over motorists’ rights, security needs and the conduct of roadside checks.
The police, however, insist the measure remains a critical tool in addressing vehicle-related crimes and strengthening national security.
Crediblenewsng.com
