Senate passes FRSC Amendment Bill, proposes ₦50,000 fine for hawking, preaching in commercial vehicles

The Senate has 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.

The bill, which is awaiting presidential assent, also prescribes a ₦50,000 fine, six months’ imprisonment, or both, for motorists who refuse to cooperate with officials of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) during roadside breath tests conducted on reasonable suspicion.

Passed on Thursday, the amended legislation significantly increases penalties for several traffic offences as part of efforts to strengthen compliance with road safety regulations and reduce road crashes across the country.

Under the proposed law, anyone found 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 reduce distractions inside commercial vehicles and improve the safety of passengers.

The bill also raises the penalty for driving under the influence of alcohol or intoxicating drugs from ₦5,000 to ₦100,000. Offenders also face up to two years’ imprisonment or both.

Motorists who refuse to cooperate with FRSC personnel conducting preliminary roadside breath tests based on reasonable suspicion will face a ₦50,000 fine, six months’ imprisonment, or both.

The proposed amendment further increases the penalty for disobeying traffic lights, road signs, pavement markings and other traffic control devices to ₦100,000.

Similarly, speed limit violations, previously punishable with a ₦5,000 fine, will now attract a ₦100,000 penalty, while reckless driving will also attract a ₦100,000 fine, up to two years’ imprisonment, or both.

The revised schedule of offences under the amendment lists 52 traffic violations and their corresponding penalties.

According to the Senate, the review is intended to strengthen the FRSC’s enforcement powers, improve compliance with traffic laws and enhance road safety nationwide.