The Nigeria Police Force has announced that it will recommence the enforcement of the tinted glass permit policy nationwide starting January 2, 2026, citing rising security threats linked to the use of unauthorised tinted vehicle windows.
The disclosure was made on Monday by the Force Public Relations Officer, Benjamin Hundeyin, who explained that the decision followed an internal assessment of worsening vehicle-related crimes across the country. According to him, the renewed enforcement is aimed at enhancing public safety and addressing loopholes being exploited by criminals.
Hundeyin stated that the police were not restrained by any court order from enforcing the law, but had earlier suspended the exercise voluntarily in October to allow motorists sufficient time to regularise their documentation. He noted that the pause was also influenced by engagements with concerned stakeholders.
“Recent trends, however, reveal a disturbing rise in criminal activities perpetrated with the aid of vehicles fitted with unauthorised tinted glass,” the police spokesman said. “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.”
He further quoted the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, as assuring Nigerians that the renewed enforcement would be carried out in a lawful and professional manner, with full respect for fundamental human rights.
According to the statement, motorists who require tinted glass permits have been advised to apply through officially approved channels to ensure compliance before the enforcement date. Hundeyin reiterated that the police remain committed to fairness and transparency in enforcing all existing laws while working closely with relevant justice sector stakeholders.
The tinted glass permit policy had earlier been suspended after legal concerns were raised, including a suit filed by the Nigerian Bar Association against the Inspector-General of Police. The NBA had argued that the policy was illegal and relied on the Motor Tinted Glass (Prohibition) Act of 1991, which it described as a military-era decree with questionable validity in a democratic setting.
In April 2025, the IGP had introduced the requirement for motorists to obtain annual tinted glass permits from the Nigeria Police Force through an online application platform. However, the policy attracted public backlash and legal scrutiny, prompting its temporary suspension.
Despite these concerns, the police insist that the resurgence of crimes linked to tinted vehicles necessitated a return to enforcement, stressing that public safety remains paramount.
What you should know
The Nigeria Police Force says the decision to resume enforcement of the tinted glass permit policy is driven by security concerns rather than revenue generation.
According to the police, unauthorised tinted glasses have increasingly been used by criminals to hide identities while carrying out serious crimes. Although enforcement was earlier suspended following legal disputes and stakeholder consultations, the police insist no court order stopped them from acting.
Motorists who genuinely require tinted glass for medical or security reasons are expected to obtain permits through official channels before January 2, 2026, when enforcement resumes nationwide.
