By MOHAMMED DANBABA
The Nigerian Senate has passed the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) Amendment Bill, 2026, introducing tougher penalties for traffic offences, including a proposed ₦50,000 fine for anyone convicted of hawking, trading, or preaching inside commercial vehicles.
The bill, which was passed on Thursday, is now awaiting Presidential assent before it can become law.
According to lawmakers, the provision is intended to reduce distractions inside commercial vehicles, improve passenger safety, and strengthen compliance with road safety regulations across the country.
Tougher Penalties for Traffic Offences
Under the proposed amendment, individuals found guilty of hawking, trading, or preaching inside commercial buses will face a ₦50,000 fine upon conviction.
The legislation also introduces stricter sanctions for motorists who refuse to cooperate with Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) officials during roadside breath tests conducted on reasonable suspicion. Such offenders could face a ₦50,000 fine, six months’ imprisonment, or both.
Higher Fines for Drunk Driving and Reckless Driving
The Senate-approved bill significantly increases penalties for several major traffic offences.
If signed into law, the fine for driving under the influence of alcohol or intoxicating substances will rise from ₦5,000 to ₦100,000. Convicted offenders may also face up to two years in prison or both imprisonment and a fine.
Similarly, motorists who ignore traffic lights, road signs, pavement markings, and other traffic control devices will be liable to a ₦100,000 fine.
The proposed law also raises the penalty for speed limit violations from ₦5,000 to ₦100,000, while reckless driving will attract a ₦100,000 fine, up to two years’ imprisonment, or both.
52 Traffic Offences Listed
The revised amendment contains 52 traffic offences along with their corresponding penalties.
The Senate said the review is designed to strengthen the enforcement powers of the FRSC, encourage greater compliance with traffic regulations, and reduce road accidents across Nigeria.
Why This Matters
If the President signs the bill into law, Nigerians will face substantially tougher penalties for a wide range of traffic offences. The proposal has already sparked public debate, particularly over the provision imposing a ₦50,000 fine for preaching, hawking, or trading inside commercial vehicles.
Keywords: FRSC Amendment Bill 2026, Senate, Federal Road Safety Corps, commercial vehicles, preaching in buses, hawking in buses, traffic offences, road safety, Nigeria, reckless driving, speed limit, drunk driving.
Hashtags: #FRSC #Senate #RoadSafety #Nigeria #TrafficLaws #BreakingNews #TheCheerNews
