The Senate has passed the Federal Road Safety Corps (Amendment) Bill, 2026, introducing stiffer penalties for traffic-related offences, including a proposed ₦50,000 fine for anyone convicted of preaching, hawking or trading inside commercial vehicles.
The bill, which has been transmitted for presidential assent, also recommends a ₦50,000 fine, a six-month jail term, or both, for motorists who refuse to cooperate with officials of the Federal Road Safety Corps during roadside breath tests conducted on reasonable suspicion.
Lawmakers said the amendments were designed to strengthen road safety enforcement, promote compliance with traffic regulations and reduce road crashes across the country.
Under the proposed law, anyone found hawking, trading or preaching inside a commercial bus would be committing an offence punishable by a ₦50,000 fine upon conviction.
The amendment also raises the penalty for driving under the influence of alcohol or other intoxicating substances from ₦5,000 to ₦100,000. Convicted offenders may also face up to two years’ imprisonment or both.
Motorists who fail to comply with FRSC officers carrying out preliminary roadside breath tests on reasonable suspicion would also be liable to a ₦50,000 fine, six months’ imprisonment, or both.
In addition, the bill increases the fine for violating traffic lights, road signs, pavement markings and other traffic control devices to ₦100,000.
It also prescribes a ₦100,000 fine for speeding, replacing the previous ₦5,000 penalty, while reckless driving would attract the same fine, up to two years’ imprisonment, or both.
The proposed amendment contains a revised schedule of 52 traffic offences and their respective penalties, with the Senate saying the review is intended to enhance the FRSC’s enforcement powers and improve safety on Nigerian roads.
