Mr. Patrick almost caused an accident as he dangerously reversed his car, managed to turn the vehicle into the nearest road, and zoomed off amidst hot pursuit that followed from some men he identified as Tax Force Officials.
Thankfully, he was not caught by them. And this according to him is not happening for the first time between him and Law Enforcement Agents like Police, FRSC, VIO and others.
He believes one could not avoid either being a culprit (suffering just for offence one has committed) or a victim (suffering unjustly / unfairly for when one is innocent) in the hands of Law Enforcement Agents, hence the best approach is to avoid them like plague and escape for good whenever one is driving and set eyes on them.
They must find an offence or fault you have committed or make you guilty of one they manufactured.
But how long will Mr. Patrick run to avoid these people? Do you have similar believe, orientation and phobia for them like Mr. Patrick?
Can you share any experience you have had with them in the comment if any?
Here 7 things that can help you not to be a culprit or victim whenever you come across Law Enforcement Agents while driving.
1.0 BE COOPERATIVE YET STILL BE YOURSELF
An attitude of panic or fear will fuel suspicion capable of making you spend more time with them than required.
Avoid rebellious moves that could challenge their sense of authority and being in charge.
2.0 BE ON THE SIDE OF THE LAW AND NOT AGAINST THE LAW
Be informed about what the law requires from you as well as be compliant to the same requirements by law.
Renewable Documents presently required by law to be presented on request include:
- Valid Drivers Licence
- Valid Proof of Ownership Certificate
- Valid Vehicle License
- Valid Certificate of Road Worthiness
- Valid Certificate of Motor Insurance
Other Documents are not renewable but may also be required to be presented on request and they include:
- Central Motor Registry (CMR)
- Allocation of Plate Number
- Certificate for Change of Ownership (where you are not the 1st Owner of the vehicle)
- AutoVin Certificate (Where you are not the 1st Owner of the vehicle)
3.0 DO NOT LOSE YOUR PATIENCE, POLITENESS AND RESPECT ON ANY PROVOCATION
Be patient, polite and respectful even when you are on your right and yet provoked.
4.0 WILLINGLY SUPPLY INFORMATION THAT COULD BE HELPFUL TO THE OFFICER’S DECISION
Politely and respectfully educate the Officer on new Government policies or laws confirming your right for which he / she might not be aware of where need be for both of you to be on the same page.
Such new laws or policies may have originated in another Government Agency that is different from his own.
An exam is that an FRSC Officer may not be aware of Autovin Certificate that is newly instituted in VIS which is another government Agency and a Police Officer may not know that valid Referral Paper with details for Compulsory Vehicle is meant to stand in for Certificate of Road Worthiness while the vehicle is yet to be inspected or pass the inspection test.
5.0 EMPLOY THE INTERVENTION OF THE ATTENDANT OFFICER’S COLLEAGUE WHERE NEED BE
Sometimes you can speed up a situation by explaining yourself to nearby colleague of an Officer attention to you without giving the impression that you are reporting the former.
6.0 EMPLOY THE INTERVENTION OF A SUPERIOR OFFICER WHERE NEED BE
Politely seek to speak with a superior officer or the Officer in charge if you have employed all the above and yet not satisfied.
7.0 EMPLOY THE INTERVENTION OF A LEGAL PRACTIONER WHERE NEED BE
Politely seek their permission to engage with a lawyer (legal Practitioner) and go ahead to place a call to your lawyer in their presence (if you have one or if there is any Lawyer you know who can willing speak with them if need be).
Please note that contacting a lawyer should not be done with the attitude of you being ready to make trouble, but an attitude that the lawyer could be in a better position to resolve whatever be the issue at hand.
CONCLUSION
We strongly believe that you could not exhaust the above steps before any Law Enforcement Agent(s) and yet end up as a culprit or a victim with them.
You orientation, believe and more are bound to change for better where above steps are followed in order while dealing with these Law Enforcement Agents.
P.S.
We are BEN’S AND BETHEL INTEGRATED CONCEPT (as well known as BBIC NG), a Corporate Client Representative, CR recognized and regulated by Motor Vehicle Administration Agency (MVAA) of Lagos State Ministry of Transportation.
Click here to contact us for your Auto Registration, Vehicle Documents Renewals, Drivers Licence, and Motor Insurance needs.
EKEKILI, UGOCHUKWU
Business Development Partner
BBIC NG
