The Senate has passed the Federal Road Safety Corps (Amendment) Bill, 2026, proposing stiffer penalties for several traffic offences, including a ₦50,000 fine for anyone convicted of preaching, hawking or trading inside commercial vehicles.
The bill, which is awaiting presidential assent, was passed on Thursday as part of efforts to strengthen road safety enforcement and reduce traffic crashes across the country.
Under the proposed legislation, anyone found engaging in hawking, trading or preaching inside a commercial vehicle commits an offence and, upon conviction, will be liable to a ₦50,000 fine.
According to the Senate, “the provision was introduced to discourage distractions in commercial vehicles and improve the safety of commuters.”
The amendment also proposes a ₦50,000 fine, six months’ imprisonment or both for motorists who refuse to cooperate with officials of the Federal Road Safety Corps during roadside breath tests conducted on reasonable suspicion.
The bill further raises the penalty for driving under the influence of alcohol or intoxicating drugs from ₦5,000 to ₦100,000, with offenders also facing up to two years’ imprisonment or both.
Similarly, motorists who disobey traffic lights, road signs, pavement markings and other traffic control devices would, if the bill becomes law, be liable to a ₦100,000 fine.
The proposed amendment also increases the penalty for speed limit violations from ₦5,000 to ₦100,000, while reckless driving will attract a ₦100,000 fine, up to two years’ imprisonment, or both.
The Senate said the revised schedule of offences contains 52 traffic violations and their corresponding penalties.
Lawmakers explained that the amendment is intended to strengthen the enforcement powers of the Federal Road Safety Corps, improve compliance with traffic regulations and enhance safety on Nigerian roads.
According to the Senate, “the review is aimed at strengthening the FRSC’s enforcement powers, improving compliance with traffic regulations and enhancing safety on Nigerian roads.”
The bill will now be transmitted to President Bola Tinubu for assent before it can become law.
