The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has announced that enforcement of the tinted glass permit policy will resume nationwide on January 2, 2026, citing rising security concerns linked to the misuse of vehicles with unauthorised tinted windows.
The announcement was made on Monday by the Force Public Relations Officer, Benjamin Hundeyin, who said the decision followed a comprehensive review of emerging crime trends and the imperative to safeguard lives and property.
According to Hundeyin, there is no court order restraining the police from enforcing existing laws on tinted vehicle glass. He explained that enforcement was voluntarily suspended in October 2025 to give motorists sufficient time to regularise their documentation, particularly while a related court matter was pending.
However, the police noted a worrying escalation in crimes facilitated by vehicles fitted with unauthorised tinted glass.
“Recent trends reveal a disturbing rise in criminal activities perpetrated with the aid of vehicles fitted with unauthorised tinted glass,” the statement read. “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 offences.”
Hundeyin quoted the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, as assuring Nigerians that the renewed enforcement would be carried out with professionalism, respect for citizens’ rights, and strict adherence to the law.
Motorists who require tinted glass permits were advised to apply through officially approved channels to ensure compliance before enforcement resumes.
The police had temporarily suspended enforcement of the policy in October 2025, partly in response to concerns raised by the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) and in consideration of the general public.
The NBA had, in September, instituted legal action against the IGP, challenging the legality of the tinted glass permit policy and describing it as unlawful. The association also questioned the continued reliance on the Motor Tinted Glass (Prohibition) Act of 1991, a military-era decree, arguing that it raises constitutional and human rights concerns.
Despite the ongoing legal challenge, the NPF reaffirmed its commitment to enforcing all existing laws fairly and transparently, while maintaining constructive engagement with stakeholders within the justice system.
In April 2025, the IGP had introduced a new framework requiring motorists to obtain annual tinted glass permits from the police through a dedicated online application platform, at a stipulated fee.
With enforcement set to resume in January, the police have urged vehicle owners to comply promptly to avoid sanctions.
