The Senate has passed the redrafted Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) Act (Amendment) Bill, 2026, introducing a ₦50,000 penalty for individuals who hawk goods or preach to passengers inside commercial buses. The bill, which now awaits the president's signature, also imposes a ₦50,000 fine, a six-month jail term, or both, for drivers who refuse roadside breathalyzer tests.
Key Penalties and Fines
Under the new legislation, fines for numerous traffic violations have been increased by up to 300 percent. Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs now carries a ₦100,000 fine, up from the previous ₦5,000, and a possible two-year prison sentence. Ignoring traffic signals, road signs, or lane markings attracts a ₦100,000 fine. Exceeding speed limits, previously penalized with ₦5,000, now carries a ₦100,000 fine. Dangerous and reckless driving is punishable by a ₦100,000 fine, up to two years in prison, or both.
Scope of the Bill
The bill, formally known as the Federal Road Safety Corps Act (Amendment), 2026 (HBs. 1401 & 1604 – For Concurrence), was presented for its first reading in the Senate on July 1, 2026. It outlines 52 distinct traffic offenses with updated financial and custodial punishments. Lawmakers stated that the harsher penalties are vital to curbing persistent lawlessness and dangerous habits on public roads, and to eliminate dangerous distractions inside commercial buses.
According to the details of the modified bill, the upward review of fines is part of a broader legislative push to discourage reckless driving, ensure stricter adherence to traffic laws, and minimize road accidents. The Senate emphasized that this comprehensive overhaul aims to bolster the operational capacity of the FRSC, drive better compliance with road regulations, and elevate safety standards across the country's highway network.
These strict regulations are anticipated to bring noticeable changes for commercial drivers, passengers, and informal traders, particularly in congested urban centers where transit preaching and onboard sales are highly common.
