The Senate on Thursday passed the Federal Road Safety Corps (Amendment) Bill, 2026, proposing a ₦50,000 fine for anyone convicted of hawking, trading or preaching inside commercial vehicles as part of efforts to strengthen road safety and reduce traffic-related accidents across the country.
The bill, which now awaits President Bola Tinubu’s assent, also introduces stiffer penalties for several traffic offences, including drunk driving, reckless driving, speeding and refusal to cooperate with officials of the Federal Road Safety Corps during roadside breath tests.
Under the proposed legislation, any person found hawking, trading or preaching inside a commercial vehicle will, upon conviction, be liable to a fine of ₦50,000.
Lawmakers said the provision was introduced to curb activities capable of distracting drivers and commuters, thereby improving safety on Nigerian roads.
The amendment further empowers the FRSC to sanction motorists who refuse to cooperate during preliminary roadside breath tests conducted on reasonable suspicion.
Such offenders risk a ₦50,000 fine, six months’ imprisonment, or both upon conviction.
The Senate also significantly reviewed penalties for driving under the influence of alcohol or intoxicating drugs, raising the fine from the current ₦5,000 to ₦100,000. Offenders may also face up to two years’ imprisonment or both sanctions.
Similarly, motorists who violate speed limits will now face a ₦100,000 fine, a sharp increase from the previous ₦5,000 penalty.
The bill equally prescribes a ₦100,000 fine for disobeying traffic lights, road signs, pavement markings and other traffic control devices.
Reckless driving also attracts a ₦100,000 fine, imprisonment for up to two years, or both under the amended legislation.
The revised schedule of offences contained in the bill lists 52 traffic violations alongside their corresponding penalties.
According to the Senate, the amendment is designed to strengthen the enforcement powers of the Federal Road Safety Corps, improve compliance with traffic regulations and enhance safety on highways nationwide.
The proposed legislation will become law after it receives presidential assent.
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