The Senate has passed the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) (Amendment) Bill, 2026, introducing a N50,000 fine for anyone convicted of hawking, trading or preaching inside commercial vehicles, as part of a sweeping increase in penalties for traffic offences across the country.
The bill, passed on Thursday and now awaiting presidential assent, raises fines for a range of road safety violations, with lawmakers citing the need to improve compliance 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 N50,000 fine.
Senators said the provision was introduced to curb distractions in commercial vehicles and improve the safety of commuters.
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 risking up to two years' imprisonment or both.
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Motorists who refuse to cooperate with the FRSC personnel conducting preliminary roadside breath tests on reasonable suspicion will face a N50,000 fine, six months' imprisonment, or both.
Other penalties under the revised legislation include a N100,000 fine for disobeying traffic lights, road signs, pavement markings and other traffic control devices.
Speed limit violations, previously attracting a N5,000 fine, will now carry a N100,000 penalty, while reckless driving will also attract a N100,000 fine, up to two years' imprisonment, or both.
The revised schedule of offences under the amendment lists 52 traffic violations and their corresponding penalties.
The Senate said the review was aimed at strengthening the FRSC's enforcement powers, improving compliance with traffic regulations and enhancing safety on Nigerian roads.
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