The Senate on Thursday passed the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) Amendment Bill, 2026, introducing tougher penalties for a range of traffic-related offences, including a proposed ₦50,000 fine for individuals who preach, hawk or engage in trading inside commercial vehicles.
The legislation, which has now been forwarded to President Bola Tinubu for assent, is aimed at strengthening road safety enforcement and reducing avoidable road accidents across the country.
Under the bill, anyone convicted of preaching, hawking or conducting commercial activities inside a commercial vehicle would be liable to a ₦50,000 fine.
Lawmakers said the measure is intended to reduce distractions that could endanger drivers and passengers.
The amendment bill also prescribes stricter sanctions for motorists who refuse to cooperate with FRSC officers during roadside breath tests conducted on reasonable suspicion.
Such offenders could face a ₦50,000 fine, a six-month prison sentence, or both upon conviction.
In addition, the proposed law significantly increases penalties for driving under the influence of alcohol or other intoxicating substances.
The fine has been raised from ₦5,000 to ₦100,000, with offenders also liable to up to two years’ imprisonment or both.
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Drivers who violate traffic lights, road signs, pavement markings and other traffic control devices would equally face a ₦100,000 penalty under the amended legislation.
The bill also raises the punishment for speeding from a ₦5,000 fine to ₦100,000, while reckless driving will attract the same ₦100,000 fine, with the possibility of a two-year jail term or both.
According to the Senate, the amendment updates the schedule of 52 traffic offences and their penalties to reflect current realities and improve compliance with road safety regulations.
If signed into law by the president, the revised FRSC Act will introduce some of the stiffest traffic sanctions in recent years, as part of efforts to enhance discipline and safety on Nigerian roads.
