The Senate has passed the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) (Amendment) Bill, 2026, which proposes tougher penalties for several traffic offences, including a N50,000 fine for anyone convicted of hawking, trading or preaching inside commercial vehicles.
The bill now awaits President Bola Tinubu’s assent before it can become law.
The proposed amendment also introduces stricter penalties for motorists who violate traffic regulations, with fines for several offences increased significantly.
According to the bill, the amendments are aimed at improving compliance with traffic laws, reducing road accidents and strengthening the enforcement powers of the FRSC.
The proposed legislation, titled the Federal Road Safety Corps Act (Amendment), 2026 (HBs. 1401 & 1604 – For Concurrence), was first read in the Senate on July 1, 2026.
Under the new provisions, anyone found guilty of hawking, trading or preaching inside commercial buses will be liable to a N50,000 fine upon conviction.
Lawmakers said the measure is intended to reduce distractions inside public transport vehicles and improve passenger safety.
If signed into law, the amendment will affect the common practice of traders and religious preachers entering commercial buses in many parts of the country.
The bill also increases penalties for several traffic offences.
Motorists convicted of driving under the influence of alcohol or intoxicating drugs will face a N100,000 fine, up from the previous N5,000.
They may also be sentenced to up to two years in prison, or both.
The law applies to anyone found driving or attempting to drive while under the influence of alcohol or drugs above the legal limit or in a condition that affects proper control of a vehicle.
The amendment also makes it an offence to refuse a roadside breath test conducted by FRSC officers.
Anyone who refuses to undergo a preliminary breath test when reasonably suspected of impaired driving could face a ₦50,000 fine, six months’ imprisonment, or both.
The revised bill also proposes a N100,000 fine for motorists who ignore traffic lights, road signs, road markings or other traffic control devices.
Similarly, the penalty for exceeding the speed limit has been increased from N5,000 to N100,000.
Reckless driving will also attract a N100,000 fine, up to two years’ imprisonment, or both.
The amended Act includes a revised schedule listing 52 traffic offences and the penalties attached to each one.
According to the Senate, the review is aimed at improving compliance with traffic regulations, strengthening road safety enforcement and reducing road accidents across the country.
