Senate Passes FRSC Amendment Bill, Proposes N50,000 Fine for Preaching, Hawking in Commercial Vehicles

The Senate has passed the Federal Road Safety Corps (Amendment) Bill, 2026, proposing stiffer penalties for traffic-related offences, including a N50,000 fine for anyone convicted of hawking, trading or preaching inside commercial vehicles.

The bill, which has been transmitted to President Bola Tinubu for assent, also prescribes a N50,000 fine, six months’ imprisonment, or both for motorists who refuse to cooperate with Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) officials during roadside breath tests conducted on reasonable suspicion.

Passed on Thursday, the amendment seeks to strengthen road safety enforcement by increasing sanctions for traffic offences and promoting compliance with road regulations across the country.

Under the proposed law, anyone found hawking, trading or preaching inside a commercial vehicle would be liable, upon conviction, to a N50,000 fine.

Lawmakers said the provision was introduced to minimise distractions in commercial vehicles and improve the safety of passengers.

The bill also increases the penalty for driving under the influence of alcohol or intoxicating drugs from N5,000 to N100,000.

Offenders convicted of the offence may also face up to two years’ imprisonment or both the fine and jail term.

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

The amendment further raises the penalty for disobeying traffic lights, road signs, pavement markings and other traffic control devices to N100,000.

It also increases the fine for speeding from N5,000 to N100,000, while reckless driving would attract a N100,000 fine, a prison term of up to two years, or both.

According to the revised schedule attached to the bill, a total of 52 traffic offences and their corresponding penalties are provided.

The Senate said the amendment is aimed at strengthening the enforcement powers of the FRSC, improving compliance with traffic regulations and enhancing road safety nationwide.