Regulation 223: Essential Notification for Car Engine Changes

In Nigeria, car owners are expected to adhere to certain rules and regulations that govern vehicle ownership and modifications. One important, yet often overlooked, regulation is Regulation 223 of the National Road Traffic Regulations of 2012.

This regulation specifically mandates that vehicle owners must notify the licensing authority whenever they change their car’s engine. Many drivers may not fully understand why this is required, but failing to do so can lead to serious legal and financial consequences.

In this article, we will explain what Regulation 223 entails, why it is important, and the potential consequences of non-compliance.

What Does Regulation 223 of the National Road Regulations (2012) State?

Regulation 223 of the National Road Traffic Regulations of 2012 is clear on the responsibility of car owners when it comes to engine changes. According to this regulation, any time a vehicle undergoes an engine replacement, the vehicle owner must notify the licensing authority in the state where the car was initially registered.

This requirement is part of the government’s broader effort to maintain accurate records of all vehicles on the road, ensuring that vital information like engine numbers, vehicle identification numbers (VIN), and other technical details remain up to date in government databases.

When changing an engine, the car owner is required to fill out the MVA7 form, commonly known as the “Replacement of Engine Form.” This form serves as an official notification to the licensing authority and collects several important details. These include:

• The car owner’s personal information
• A passport photograph
• The specifics of both the old engine and the new engine being installed
• The purpose of this process is to ensure that the new engine is legally recorded and linked to the vehicle’s
• registration, thereby avoiding any potential discrepancies in official records.

Why Is It Important to Notify the Licensing Authority?

Notifying the licensing authority when you change your engine is more than just a bureaucratic formality. There are several important reasons why this regulation exists, and why car owners should take it seriously.

1. Accurate Vehicle Records:

The engine number, like the chassis number, is a unique identifier for a vehicle. It is recorded on the vehicle license for a reason: to ensure that every car has a traceable history. When you change your car’s engine, the new engine number must be reflected in government records. Failing to notify the authorities means that your vehicle’s official documents will no longer accurately represent its actual state, leading to complications down the line, especially when renewing your vehicle license or selling the car.

2. Legal Verification and Security:

Vehicle theft and the illegal trade of car parts are real concerns in Nigeria. By ensuring that every engine change is reported, the government can maintain an accurate database that helps law enforcement trace vehicles and their parts more effectively. If you change your engine and do not report it, you risk being accused of using stolen or unverified parts, which could put you in legal trouble. In some cases, unreported engine changes can raise suspicions about the legality of the engine, leading to potential vehicle impoundment or investigation.

3. Avoiding Legal Penalties:

Non-compliance with Regulation 223 can lead to stiff penalties. If you fail to notify the licensing authority when you change your engine, you could be fined up to ₦20,000. In some cases, depending on the complexity of the situation, you could face a jail term of up to six months. The Nigerian authorities view this regulation as an essential part of vehicle registration and road safety, so compliance is strictly enforced. Even a simple oversight could land you in trouble, so it’s best to take the required steps as soon as you replace your engine.

Consequences of Failing to Comply

Apart from the immediate financial and legal penalties, failing to comply with Regulation 223 can create long-term complications for vehicle owners. When renewing your vehicle license, for instance, any discrepancies between the engine number on record and the engine in your car will likely be flagged. This could delay the renewal process and might require additional inspections or documentation to resolve the issue.

In cases where you intend to sell your vehicle, potential buyers might run into problems verifying the car’s engine number against its registration documents. This could reduce the value of the car or even halt the sale altogether if the buyer becomes suspicious of the car’s history.

Non-compliance with Regulation 223 can also complicate insurance claims. If your car is involved in an accident, or if it’s stolen and recovered, discrepancies between your engine’s records and your vehicle license could lead to insurance companies denying your claim. It is important to maintain accurate and updated vehicle records to avoid such risks.

How to Comply: The MVA7 Form Process

The process of complying with Regulation 223 is straightforward. Once you have decided to change your car engine, you need to visit the licensing authority where your car is registered. You will be required to fill out the MVA7 form, which asks for personal details, a passport photograph, and information about both your old and new engines.

After submitting the form, the licensing authority will update your vehicle’s records with the new engine number. This ensures that your vehicle registration, license, and other official documents remain accurate and up to date. It’s a simple process, but it can save you from serious legal and financial headaches in the future.

Conclusion

Regulation 223 of the National Road Traffic Regulations of 2012 serves an important role in maintaining the integrity of vehicle records in Nigeria. By ensuring that every engine change is officially documented, the government helps to prevent fraud, track stolen vehicles, and enhance road safety. As a car owner, it’s your responsibility to notify the licensing authority whenever you change your engine.

Not only will you avoid fines and jail time, but you’ll also ensure that your vehicle records are accurate, preventing complications when renewing your vehicle license or filing insurance claims. The process of filling the MVA7 form is simple, and the benefits of compliance far outweigh the potential risks of non-compliance.

So, the next time you think about upgrading or replacing your car engine, don’t forget to notify the government. It’s a small step that can save you from big problems down the road.