The Senate has approved the Federal Road Safety Corps (Amendment) Bill, 2026, which proposes a ₦50,000 fine for anyone found guilty of hawking, trading or preaching inside commercial vehicles.
The legislation, now awaiting presidential assent, also recommends a ₦50,000 fine, six months’ imprisonment, or both, for motorists who refuse to cooperate with Federal Road Safety Corps officials during roadside breath tests carried out on reasonable suspicion.
Passed by the Senate on Thursday, the amendment substantially increases sanctions for various traffic offences in a bid to promote adherence to road safety rules and reduce accidents on Nigerian roads.
Under the proposed legislation, any individual caught hawking, trading or preaching inside a commercial vehicle commits an offence and, upon conviction, will be liable to a ₦50,000 fine.
Lawmakers said the provision was introduced to discourage distractions in commercial vehicles and improve the safety of commuters.
The bill also raises the punishment for driving under the influence of alcohol or intoxicating drugs from ₦5,000 to ₦100,000. Convicted offenders may also face up to two years’ imprisonment or both.
Drivers who decline to cooperate with FRSC officers conducting preliminary roadside breath tests based on reasonable suspicion will equally face a ₦50,000 fine, six months’ imprisonment, or both.
The amendment also increases the penalty for ignoring traffic lights, road signs, pavement markings and other traffic control devices to ₦100,000.
Violating speed limits, which previously attracted a ₦5,000 fine, will now carry a ₦100,000 penalty, while reckless driving will also be punishable with a ₦100,000 fine, up to two years’ imprisonment, or both.
The updated schedule of offences contained in the amendment outlines 52 traffic violations alongside their respective penalties.
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.
