To avoid prosecution and curb crimes, the Lagos Corps Commander, Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Mr Babatunde Farinloye, has urged motorists to stop driving with faded number plates.
Farinloye gave the advice in an interview with Newsmen in Lagos on Friday.
He said that motorists should always use water and soap to wash the number plate of their vehicles to prevent it from fading.
According to him, it will take six years for number plate to expire, though it can develop some problems such as being damaged and faded before the expiry date.
He said that the purpose of using number plate was for proper identification and security, also personalised for each vehicle.
“A vehicle can be used to commit crime and if that happens, we can track it on our National Vehicle Identification Scheme.
“It is expected that number plate should be replaced after six years except the security feature are intact and it will be visible within 60 metres distance.
“Number plate can fade easily which can be as a result of chemical being used to wash the car.
“If number plate fades, you have to replace it. If number plate is damaged, you have to replace it and motorists should stop using private number plate for commercial purpose.
“If you look at the top right of the number plate, you will see the expiry date. Normally, number plate can be used for six years before it totally fades, â€