Lagos is one of the most congested cities in Africa, and this is obviously because it is super populated and at the same time small in size. Forty percent of cars in Lagos are registered and, with that, traffic is inevitable. Commuters spend at least three hours in traffic each day. Traffic congestion leads to many problems for the residents of Lagos.

The reality is that most people want to do the right thing, but sometimes they don't have the knowledge or self-awareness to do so until you create the rules. There has been a very strict approach to traffic management in the city of Lagos. This extends to bringing every resident of the state to a whole new level of sanity, and punishment for breaking Lagos traffic rules.

Below, we will highlight some traffic offenses in Lagos as well as the penalties that come with breaking them.

Driving without a driver's licence. If you are caught driving without your driver's licence by the traffic law management agency, your car will be impounded.

Driving an unpainted taxi without a permit. In Lagos, the known taxis are painted yellow. If for any reason you want to use a car as a taxi without painting it yellow, you need to get a permit. The traffic penalty for not having the required permit is to have such vehicles impounded.

Smoking while driving. Smoking while driving is a violation of the Lagos State traffic law and attracts a fine of ₦30,000, or the car may be impounded.

Driving with a worn out tyre. Driving with a worn out tyre or tyres is against the traffic law and attracts a fine of ₦30,000 if your tyre is considered to be in bad driving condition.

Disobeying traffic control personnel. The penalty for a first offender is ₦20,000. A subsequent offender pays ₦30,000. In addition to that, impoundment of cars and LASDRI (Lagos State Drivers' Institute) training.

Neglect of traffic directions. The penalty for this is forfeiting your vehicle to the state. In addition to that, one (1) month community service or six (6) months imprisonment.

Failure to yield right of way to a pedestrian at a zebra crossing. The fine for a first offender is ₦20,000. A subsequent offender pays ₦30,000. In addition to that, impoundment of cars and LASDRI training.

Violation of routes by commercial vehicles. The penalty for a first offender is ₦20,000. A subsequent offender pays ₦30,000. In addition to that, impoundment of cars and LASDRI training.

Wrongful overtaking of another vehicle. Breaking this rule attracts a fine of ₦20,000 for a first offender and ₦30,000 for a subsequent offender. In addition to that, imprisonment for a term of three (3) years, or both fine and imprisonment.

Failure to give way to traffic on the left at a roundabout. The penalty for a first offender is ₦20,000. A subsequent offender pays ₦30,000. In addition to that, impoundment of cars and LASDRI training.

It has been said that a special court will be created to try offenders, who will be made to serve their punishment if found guilty at the point of contravention.

Always remember that ignorance of the law is not an excuse. So always ensure you get your car from trusted dealers to avoid cars that break down in the middle of the road, causing a nuisance and leading to traffic.