FRSC Bill: N50,000 Fine for In-Bus Preaching, Hawking

​The Nigerian Senate has passed the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) Amendment Bill, 2026, marking a significant overhaul of road traffic penalties to improve safety and compliance on national roads. The legislation, which is currently awaiting presidential assent, introduces substantially stiffer fines for common traffic infractions and aims to curb environmental distractions for commuters.

​New Penalties for Traffic Offences

​The amendment includes a revised schedule of 52 traffic offences. Key updates include:

ADVERTISEMENT

• ​Commercial Vehicle Restrictions: Individuals found hawking, trading, or preaching inside commercial buses will now face a fine of ₦50,000. Lawmakers stated this measure is intended to minimize distractions and enhance passenger safety.

• ​Driving Under the Influence (DUI): Penalties for driving while intoxicated have been significantly increased. Offenders now face a ₦100,000 fine, up to two years of imprisonment, or both—a sharp rise from the previous ₦5,000 fine.

• ​Breath Test Cooperation: Motorists who refuse to cooperate with FRSC officials during roadside breath tests, conducted based on reasonable suspicion, face a ₦50,000 fine, six months imprisonment, or both.

• ​Reckless Driving & Speeding: Speed limit violations and reckless driving now attract a penalty of ₦100,000 each, with reckless driving also potentially carrying a prison sentence of up to two years.

• ​Traffic Control Violations: Disobeying traffic lights, road signs, or pavement markings now carries a fine of ₦100,000.

​Strengthening Enforcement

​The legislative push is part of a broader effort to strengthen the FRSC’s enforcement capacity. By increasing the financial consequences of traffic violations, the Senate aims to deter dangerous driving behaviors that have historically contributed to road crashes across the country.

​The bill was passed on Thursday by the Senate, sitting as the Committee of the Whole, following its transmission from the House of Representatives. Once signed into law, these measures are expected to be enforced nationwide to foster a more disciplined and secure motoring environment.