Hawking, preaching in buses, failure to cooperate with FRSC officials attract ₦50,000 fine – Senate

…Failure to obey traffic lights, road signs, pavement or road markings now attracts N100,000 fine

…Driving under the influence of alcohol attracts N100,000 fine or two years imprisonment or both

By John Alechenu

ABUJA — The Senate has passed the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) Act (Amendment) Bill, 2026, significantly increasing penalties for traffic offences, including imposing a N50,000 fine on anyone caught hawking, trading or preaching in commercial buses.

The amendment, which is awaiting presidential assent, also prescribes a N50,000 fine or six months’ imprisonment, or both, for motorists who fail to cooperate with FRSC officials during roadside breath tests conducted on reasonable suspicion.

Details of the amended legislation obtained by Vanguard show that penalties for several traffic offences have been increased by as much as 300 per cent as part of efforts to curb reckless driving, improve compliance with road safety regulations and reduce road crashes.

The bill, titled 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 hawking, trading or preaching inside commercial vehicles commits an offence and, upon conviction, will be liable to a N50,000 fine.

Lawmakers said the provision was introduced to discourage distractions in public vehicles and enhance the safety of commuters.

During deliberations on the bill, senators argued that stronger sanctions had become necessary to address persistent traffic violations and unsafe practices on Nigerian roads.

The amendment also raises the penalty for driving under the influence of alcohol or intoxicating drugs from N5,000 to N100,000, with offenders also facing up to two years’ imprisonment or both.

It states that any person found driving or attempting to drive while under the influence of alcohol or drugs above the legal limit, or to such an extent that they are incapable of proper control of the vehicle, commits an offence.

Similarly, motorists who refuse to cooperate with FRSC personnel conducting preliminary roadside breath tests based on reasonable suspicion will face a N50,000 fine, six months’ imprisonment, or both.

The amended Act also prescribes a N100,000 fine for motorists who fail to obey traffic lights, road signs, pavement markings or other traffic control devices.

Speed limit violations, previously punishable with a N5,000 fine, will now attract N100,000, while reckless driving also carries a N100,000 fine, up to two years’ imprisonment, or both.

The revised schedule of offences under the Act 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 regulations and enhance safety on Nigerian roads.

The new penalties are expected to have a significant impact on commercial transport operators and commuters, particularly in major cities where hawking and preaching inside buses are widespread practices.

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