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 improve road safety across the country.
The bill, which now awaits presidential assent, also introduces stiffer penalties for several traffic offences, including driving under the influence of alcohol, speeding, reckless driving and refusal to cooperate with officials of the Federal Road Safety Corps during roadside breath tests.
Under the proposed legislation, 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 discourage activities capable of distracting drivers and passengers, thereby enhancing the safety of commuters.
The amendment also prescribes a ₦50,000 fine, six months’ imprisonment, or both, for motorists who refuse to cooperate with FRSC personnel conducting preliminary roadside breath tests based on reasonable suspicion.
In addition, the penalty for driving under the influence of alcohol or intoxicating drugs has been increased from ₦5,000 to ₦100,000, with offenders also liable to up to two years’ imprisonment, or both.
The Senate further approved an increase in 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 carry a ₦100,000 fine, up to two years’ imprisonment, or both.
According to the lawmakers, the revised schedule of offences now contains 52 traffic violations and their corresponding penalties.
The Senate said the review of the FRSC Act is intended to strengthen the Corps’ enforcement powers, improve compliance with traffic regulations and enhance safety on Nigerian roads.
