By Hadiza Mohammed, Northern Operation
ABUJA — The Senate on Thursday passed the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) (Amendment) Bill, 2026, proposing a N50,000 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, seeks to strengthen the enforcement powers of the FRSC by introducing stiffer penalties for traffic offences and practices considered capable of distracting drivers.
Under the proposed law, any person found hawking, trading or preaching inside a commercial vehicle commits an offence and, upon conviction, will be liable to a N50,000 fine.
Lawmakers said the provision was introduced to minimise distractions in commercial vehicles and enhance the safety of commuters.
The amendment also prescribes a N50,000 fine, six months’ imprisonment, or both, for motorists who refuse to cooperate with FRSC officials conducting roadside breath tests based on reasonable suspicion.
In a significant review of existing sanctions, the bill increases the penalty for driving under the influence of alcohol or intoxicating drugs from N5,000 to N100,000. Convicted offenders also risk up to two years’ imprisonment or both.
Similarly, the penalty for disobeying traffic lights, road signs, pavement markings and other traffic control devices has been raised to N100,000.
Motorists who violate speed limits, previously liable to a N5,000 fine, will also face a N100,000 penalty if the bill becomes law.
Reckless driving will attract the same N100,000 fine, with offenders also liable to up to two years’ imprisonment or both.
The amended legislation contains a revised schedule of 52 traffic offences and their corresponding penalties, reflecting what lawmakers described as a comprehensive effort to improve compliance with road traffic regulations.
According to the Senate, the review of the FRSC Act is intended to strengthen the corps’ enforcement capacity, reduce road crashes and promote safer road use through stricter sanctions for traffic violations.
The bill will now be transmitted to President Bola Tinubu for assent before it can take effect.
