Reported by: Oahimire Omone Precious | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
The Senate has passed the Federal Road Safety Corps Act Amendment Bill 2026, significantly increasing penalties for traffic offences and imposing a ₦50,000 fine on anyone caught hawking, trading or preaching inside commercial vehicles. The amendment, which now awaits presidential assent, introduces some of the toughest sanctions ever seen on Nigerian roads, with fines for several offences increased by as much as 300 per cent.
Under the new provisions, any person found hawking, trading or preaching inside commercial buses commits an offence and, upon conviction, will be liable to a ₦50,000 fine. Lawmakers said the measure was introduced to discourage distractions in public vehicles and enhance the safety of commuters. During deliberations on the bill, senators argued that stronger sanctions had become necessary to address persistent traffic violations and unsafe practices on Nigerian roads. One lawmaker was quoted as saying: "Our roads have become marketplaces and crusade grounds. This cannot continue. The penalties must hurt enough to change behaviour".
The bill, titled Federal Road Safety Corps Act Amendment 2026, was first read in the Senate on July 1, 2026. It reinforces penalties for a wide range of offences, with the revised schedule listing 52 traffic violations and their corresponding penalties. The amendment is expected to have a significant impact on commercial transport operators and commuters, particularly in major cities where hawking and preaching inside buses are widespread practices.
The amendment also introduces stiffer penalties for motorists who fail to cooperate with FRSC officials during roadside breath tests conducted on reasonable suspicion. Anyone who refuses to undergo a preliminary breath test could face a ₦50,000 fine, six months' imprisonment, or both. The provision is intended to strengthen the Corps' ability to detect and prosecute cases of impaired driving.
Driving under the influence of alcohol or intoxicating drugs now attracts a ₦100,000 fine, up from the previous ₦5,000. Offenders also face up to two years' imprisonment, or both. The provision applies to anyone found driving or attempting to drive while under the influence beyond the legal limit or to such an extent that they are incapable of proper control of the vehicle.
Other offences affected by the hike include failure to obey traffic lights, road signs, pavement or road markings, which now attracts a ₦100,000 fine. Speed limit violations, previously punishable with a ₦5,000 fine, will now attract ₦100,000, while reckless driving also carries a ₦100,000 fine, up to two years' imprisonment, or both. The amendment also covers offences such as use of phone while driving, overloading, seatbelt violation, and driving without a valid licence.
According to the Senate, the review is intended to strengthen the FRSC's enforcement powers, improve compliance with traffic regulations and enhance safety on Nigerian roads. FRSC has, in recent years, complained that weak penalties encourage traffic violations, and with the amendment, offenders will have to dig deeper into their finances. The new penalties are expected to have a significant impact on commercial transport operators and commuters, particularly in major cities where hawking and preaching inside buses are widespread practices. The bill now awaits the signature of President Bola Tinubu to become law.
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