The Nigerian Senate has just passed the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) Act (Amendment) Bill, 2026, significantly increasing penalties for traffic offences, including imposing a N50,000 fine on anyone caught hawking, trading or preaching in commercial buses.
The amendment, which is awaiting presidential assent, also prescribes a N50,000 fine or six months’ imprisonment, or both, for motorists who fail to cooperate with FRSC officials during roadside breath tests conducted on reasonable suspicion.
The bill, titled Federal Road Safety Corps Act (Amendment), 2026 (HBs. 1401 & 1604 – For Concurrence), was first read in the Senate on July 1, 2026.
Under the new provisions, anyone found hawking, trading, or preaching inside commercial vehicles commits an offence and, upon conviction, will be liable to a N50,000 fine.
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 facing up to two years’ imprisonment or both.
Similarly, motorists who refuse to cooperate with FRSC personnel conducting preliminary roadside breath tests based upon reasonable suspicion will face a N50,000 fine, six months’ imprisonment, or both.
The amended Act also prescribes a N100,000 fine for motorists who fail to obey traffic lights, road signs, pavement markings, or other traffic control devices.
Speed limit violations, previously punishable with a N5,000 fine, will now attract N100,000, while reckless driving also carries a N100,000 fine, up to two years’ imprisonment, or both.
The revised schedule of offences under the Act lists 52 traffic violations and their corresponding penalties.