Freetown, 14 August 2026 — The Sierra Leone Police (SLP) has issued a public notice strictly prohibiting the installation and use of artificial decorative lights on all vehicles across the country.
In a notice dated 13 August 2026 and released by the Media and Public Relations Department at Police Headquarters in Kingtom, Freetown, the force directed motorists, commercial drivers, private vehicle owners and transport operators to immediately stop using coloured LED lights, flashing lights, excessively bright headlamps and other non-standard decorative lighting.
The police said these lights distract or temporarily blind other road users, especially at night, and significantly raise the risk of traffic crashes that endanger motorists, pedestrians and other road users.
The directive is being enforced under Section 58 (1), (2), (3), (14) and (16) of the Road Traffic Regulations, 2011. Vehicle owners and drivers are ordered to:
– Use only standard manufacturer-approved lighting systems and those permitted by law
– Stop using flashing, revolving or excessively bright lights unless the vehicle is authorised as an emergency or security vehicle
– Remove all unauthorised decorative and coloured lights from their vehicles
The SLP announced that nationwide enforcement of the directive has begun. Any driver found operating a vehicle fitted with prohibited lights faces legal action, which may include the removal of the offending lights. Those who ignore the order will face the full force of the law.
In the notice, the police appealed for public cooperation, describing the ban as part of a collective responsibility to promote road safety, reduce traffic accidents and protect lives and property.
“Let us all play our part in making Sierra Leone’s roads safer for everyone,” the statement concluded.
