The Senate has passed the Federal Road Safety Corps (Amendment) Bill, 2026, introducing stiffer penalties for a range of traffic offences, including a proposed ₦50,000 fine for anyone convicted of hawking, trading or preaching inside commercial vehicles.
The bill, which now awaits President Bola Tinubu’s assent, seeks to strengthen road safety enforcement by increasing sanctions for offences considered to endanger motorists and commuters.
Under the proposed legislation, individuals who engage in hawking, trading or preaching inside commercial buses will be liable to a ₦50,000 fine upon conviction. Lawmakers said the provision is intended to reduce distractions and improve passenger safety.
The amendment also raises the penalty for driving under the influence of alcohol or intoxicating substances from ₦5,000 to ₦100,000. Convicted offenders may also face up to two years’ imprisonment or both.
Motorists who refuse to cooperate with Federal Road Safety Corps personnel during roadside breath tests conducted on reasonable suspicion could be fined ₦50,000, sentenced to six months in prison, or both.
Similarly, the bill increases the penalty for disobeying traffic lights, road signs, pavement markings and other traffic control devices to ₦100,000.
Speed limit violations and reckless driving, previously subject to lower fines, will also attract a ₦100,000 penalty under the proposed law. Reckless driving may additionally earn offenders up to two years’ imprisonment or both.
The amended legislation reviews penalties for 52 traffic offences, with lawmakers saying the changes are designed to improve compliance with road safety regulations, strengthen the enforcement powers of the FRSC and reduce road crashes across the country.
The bill will become law if signed by President Tinubu.
