By Maryam Shuaibu
The Senate has passed the Federal Road Safety Corps (Amendment) Bill, 2026, proposing stiffer penalties for a range of traffic offences, including a ₦50,000 fine for anyone convicted of hawking, trading or preaching inside commercial vehicles.
The bill, which is awaiting presidential assent, also seeks tougher sanctions for motorists who violate road safety regulations, as lawmakers push to strengthen enforcement and reduce road crashes across the country.
Under the proposed legislation, anyone found hawking, trading or preaching inside a commercial vehicle would, upon conviction, be liable to a ₦50,000 fine.
Lawmakers said the provision is intended to minimise distractions that could endanger passengers and drivers.
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Tougher Penalties for Traffic Offences
The amendment also introduces stiffer sanctions for motorists who fail to cooperate with officials of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) during roadside breath tests carried out on reasonable suspicion.
Offenders would face a ₦50,000 fine, six months’ imprisonment, or both.
The bill further raises the penalty for driving under the influence of alcohol or intoxicating drugs from ₦5,000 to ₦100,000. Convicted offenders could also face up to two years’ imprisonment, or both imprisonment and a fine.
Motorists who disobey traffic lights, road signs, pavement markings and other traffic control devices would also face a ₦100,000 fine under the proposed law.
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Similarly, the penalty for exceeding speed limits would increase from ₦5,000 to ₦100,000, while reckless driving would attract a ₦100,000 fine, up to two years’ imprisonment, or both.
Strengthening Road Safety Enforcement
The amended bill contains a revised schedule of 52 traffic offences and their corresponding penalties.
According to the Senate, the review is aimed at strengthening the FRSC’s enforcement powers, improving compliance with traffic laws and enhancing safety on Nigerian roads.
The proposed legislation will now be transmitted to President Bola Tinubu for assent before it can become law.