The Senate has passed the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) Act (Amendment) Bill, 2026, introducing stiffer penalties for traffic offences, including a N50,000 fine for anyone caught hawking, trading or preaching inside commercial buses.
The bill, which is awaiting presidential assent, also provides a N50,000 fine, six months’ imprisonment, or both, for motorists who refuse to cooperate with Federal Road Safety Corps officials during roadside breath tests conducted on reasonable suspicion.
The amended legislation, recently passed by the Senate, increases penalties for several traffic offences by as much as 300 per cent in a bid to curb reckless driving, improve compliance with road safety regulations and reduce road crashes across the country.
The bill, titled Federal Road Safety Corps Act (Amendment), 2026 (HBs. 1401 & 1604 – For Concurrence), was read for the first time in the Senate on July 1, 2026.
Under the proposed law, anyone convicted of hawking, trading or preaching inside commercial vehicles will be liable to a N50,000 fine.
Lawmakers said the provision was introduced to reduce distractions in commercial vehicles and improve the safety of passengers.
During consideration of the bill, senators maintained that tougher sanctions had become necessary to address persistent traffic violations and unsafe road practices.
The amendment also raises the penalty for driving under the influence of alcohol or intoxicating drugs from N5,000 to N100,000.
Offenders may also face up to two years’ imprisonment, or both imprisonment and a fine.
The bill states that any person who drives or attempts to drive while under the influence of alcohol or drugs beyond the legal limit, or to the extent that they cannot properly control a vehicle, commits an offence.
It further provides that motorists who refuse to cooperate with FRSC officials conducting preliminary roadside breath tests on reasonable suspicion will be liable to a N50,000 fine, six months’ imprisonment, or both.
The legislation also increases the penalty for failing to obey traffic lights, road signs, pavement markings or other traffic control devices to N100,000.
Speed limit violations, which previously attracted a N5,000 fine, will now carry a N100,000 penalty.
Reckless driving will also attract a N100,000 fine, up to two years’ imprisonment, or both.
The amended Act contains a revised schedule of 52 traffic offences and their corresponding penalties.
According to the Senate, the review is aimed at strengthening the enforcement powers of the FRSC, improving compliance with traffic regulations and enhancing road safety nationwide.
If signed into law by the President, the new penalties are expected to significantly affect commercial transport operators and commuters, particularly in major cities where hawking and preaching inside commercial buses are common.
Titilope Adako is a talented and intrepid journalist, dedicated to shedding light on the untold stories of Osun State and Nigeria. Through incisive reporting, she tackles a broad spectrum of topics, from politics and social justice to culture and entertainment, with a commitment to accuracy, empathy, and inspiring positive change.
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