Kaduna Police to Launch Tinted‑Glass Permit Crackdown Thursday

When Kaduna State Police Command announced it would start enforcing the tinted glass permit regulations on Thursday, drivers across northern Nigeria braced for checkpoint queues and sudden fines.

The rollout, part of the Police Specialised Services Automation Project, follows a staggered national push that began in Lagos on October 2, 2025 and spreads to Edo, Imo and several other states within the same week.

Background: A Policy Born of Safety Concerns

The tinted‑glass scheme was first unveiled in April 2023 after the Nigeria Police Force cited traffic‑safety research linking dark windows to reduced visibility and higher accident rates. Under the rules, any vehicle with windows darker than the standard 70% light transmission must obtain a special permit from the relevant state police command.

Critics argue the policy is a revenue‑generation tool, pointing to the steep N10,000 (≈ $24) fee for a permit and the potential for selective enforcement. The controversy grew when a Federal High Court allegedly issued an injunction in August 2025 – a document the police say they never received.

Enforcement Timeline Across the Country

Here’s the thing: the coordinated timing isn’t coincidental. A secret memorandum leaked in late September revealed a national‑wide enforcement calendar designed to avoid legal loopholes that could arise from a piecemeal approach.

• October 2, 2025 – Lagos State Police Command resumes checks after a deadline extension lapsed.
• October 3, 2025 – Edo State Police Command begins its own sweep, targeting commercial fleets first.
• October 4, 2025 – Imo State Police Command rolls out a full‑state operation, deploying mobile units to highways.
• October 5, 2025 – Kaduna joins the effort, focusing on private cars and motorcycles with aftermarket tints.

The rollout is being framed as the Nationwide Tinted Glass Enforcement InitiativeNigeria, a mouthful that underscores the government’s resolve.

Legal Challenges and the Federal High Court Question

Legal experts remain split. Dr. Aisha Bello, a constitutional law professor at Ahmadu Bello University, told reporters, “If the High Court indeed issued an injunction, the police’s claim of non‑receipt does not absolve them. Procedural due‑process requires them to halt enforcement until the matter is clarified.”

On the other side, Chief Superintendent Yusuf Ibrahim, spokesperson for the Kaduna command, said, “Our officers are acting under the directives of the Federal Ministry of Interior. We have no knowledge of a valid restraining order, and we will continue to enforce the law to keep our roads safe.”

The Federal High Court has yet to publish an official copy of the alleged injunction, leaving motorists in a legal limbo. Meanwhile, the Nigeria Police Force reiterated that it has not received any formal order to suspend the enforcement.

Motorists’ Reaction: Frustration Meets Compliance

In downtown Kaduna, a line of cars snaked around the police checkpoint on Thursday morning. One driver, who asked not to be named, muttered, “I didn’t know I needed a permit. Now I’m paying the fine and waiting for paperwork.”

Surprisingly, a small but vocal group of owners with legitimate permits reported being treated the same as violators, sparking accusations of discrimination. “Even with a permit, my car was stopped for 20 minutes. The officer said ‘we’re checking everyone today,’” a Lagos commuter recounted.

Transport unions have threatened industrial action if the crackdown continues without a clear exemption process. The Nigeria Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) released a statement demanding a two‑week grace period for vehicle owners to acquire permits.

Expert Analysis: Safety Versus Enforcement Overreach

Traffic safety analyst Emeka Okonkwo noted that studies from the UK and Australia show a modest reduction—about 3%—in nighttime collisions after similar tint restrictions were enforced.

“If the goal is safety, the policy could work, but only if it’s applied uniformly and transparently,” Okonkwo warned. “Otherwise, it becomes a revenue tool and erodes public trust.”

Economists also weigh in. A recent report by the Lagos Chamber of Commerce estimated that the permit scheme could generate roughly N150 million (≈ $360,000) per month in fees, a figure that dwarfs the projected safety savings.

What’s Next? Potential Court Rulings and Policy Adjustments

The coming weeks will likely see a flurry of court filings. Lawyers representing motorists plan to file a class‑action suit in the Federal High Court next Monday, seeking an immediate stay on the enforcement and a review of the permit fee structure.

Meanwhile, the Ministry of Interior has hinted at a possible amendment that would allow a 30‑day grace period for existing vehicle owners. If approved, the amendment could ease tensions but would also delay the full‑scale safety benefits the police claim to pursue.

For now, drivers in Kaduna, Lagos, Edo and Imo are being advised to check their windows, keep documentation handy, and expect random checks at major entry points.