Senate Proposes N50,000 Fine for Preaching, Hawking in Commercial Buses
The Senate has passed the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) (Amendment) Bill, 2026, proposing stiffer penalties for a wide range of traffic offences, including a N50,000 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.
The proposed legislation introduces tougher sanctions for motorists and passengers alike, as lawmakers seek to strengthen road safety enforcement, improve compliance with traffic regulations and reduce the rate of road crashes across the country.
One of the notable provisions of the amendment is the introduction of a N50,000 fine for anyone found hawking, trading or preaching inside commercial buses.
According to the Senate, the measure is intended to eliminate activities capable of distracting drivers and passengers, thereby enhancing the safety of commuters.
The amendment also significantly increases the punishment for driving under the influence of alcohol or intoxicating drugs. While the existing law prescribes a N5,000 fine for the offence, the proposed amendment raises the penalty to N100,000.
Convicted offenders may also face up to two years’ imprisonment or both the fine and custodial sentence.
Motorists who fail to cooperate with officials of the FRSC during roadside breath tests conducted on reasonable suspicion will also face stricter sanctions.
Under the bill, anyone who refuses to comply with such tests will be liable, upon conviction, to a N50,000 fine, six months’ imprisonment, or both.
The Senate further approved a substantial increase in penalties for motorists who violate traffic control measures. Under the amended bill, disobeying traffic lights, road signs, pavement markings and other traffic control devices will now attract a N100,000 fine.
Similarly, the penalty for exceeding prescribed speed limits has been increased from N5,000 to N100,000, while reckless driving will also attract a N100,000 fine, with offenders additionally facing up to two years’ imprisonment or both.
The revised legislation contains an updated schedule of 52 traffic offences together with their corresponding penalties, reflecting what lawmakers described as a comprehensive review of the country’s road safety enforcement framework.
According to the Senate, the amendment is designed to strengthen the enforcement powers of the FRSC, encourage greater adherence to traffic regulations and improve safety on Nigerian roads.
If signed into law by the President, the new provisions will replace the existing penalties under the FRSC Act and usher in one of the most significant revisions to Nigeria’s road traffic enforcement regime in recent years.
