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 fail to cooperate with officials of the Federal Road Safety Corps during roadside breath tests conducted on reasonable suspicion.

The amended legislation, passed by the Senate on Thursday, significantly increases penalties for several traffic offences as part of efforts to improve compliance with road safety regulations and reduce road crashes.

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 discourage distractions in commercial vehicles and improve the safety of commuters.

The bill also increases the penalty for driving under the influence of alcohol or intoxicating drugs from ₦5,000 to ₦100,000. Offenders also risk 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 also face a ₦50,000 fine, six months’ imprisonment, or both.

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

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 aimed at strengthening the FRSC’s enforcement powers, improving compliance with traffic regulations and enhancing safety on Nigerian roads. (The PUNCH)

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