The Sierra Leone Police (SLP) has announced a nationwide prohibition on the installation and use of artificial decorative lights on vehicles, citing growing concerns over road safety and increasing risks to motorists and pedestrians.
In that lieu, the Police informed motorists, commercial drivers, private vehicle owners, transport operators, and members of the public that the installation and use of artificial decorative lights on vehicles are strictly prohibited.
Evidently, they have observed that some drivers have fitted their vehicles with coloured LED lights, flashing lights, excessively bright headlamps, and other decorative lighting systems that distract or temporarily blind other road users, particularly during nighttime driving.
The Police warned that such practices significantly increase the likelihood of road traffic accidents and endanger the lives of motorists, pedestrians, and other road users.
This directive is being enforced in the interest of public safety and in accordance with provisions contained in Section 58 (1), (2), (3), (14), and (16) of the Road Traffic Regulations, 2011.
Under the directive, all vehicle owners and drivers are required to:
Ensure that only standard manufacturer-approved lighting systems and those approved by law are used.
Refrain from using flashing, revolving, or excessively bright lights unless specifically authorised by law for emergency or security vehicles.
Remove all unauthorised decorative and coloured lights installed on their vehicles.
For this reason, Sierra Leone Police further announced that nationwide enforcement of the directive will commence immediately. Any driver found operating a vehicle fitted with prohibited lights will be liable to appropriate legal action, including the removal of the offending lights.
As it happens, the Police stressed that anyone who contravenes the directive will face the full force of the law.
Calling for public cooperation, the Sierra Leone Police urged all road users to support the initiative as part of a collective effort to promote road safety, reduce traffic accidents, and protect lives and property across the country.