The Nigerian Senate has passed the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) Act (Amendment) Bill, 2026, introducing significantly tougher penalties for a range of road traffic offences. Under the proposed law, the common practices of preaching, hawking, and trading inside commercial buses could attract a ₦50,000 fine upon conviction. The bill, which has been passed by the National Assembly, still requires President Bola Tinubu's assent before it can become law.
New penalties for bus preaching and hawking
According to the amended legislation, anyone found hawking, trading, or preaching in commercial vehicles commits an offence and, upon conviction, will be liable to a ₦50,000 fine. Lawmakers argued that the move is aimed at reducing distractions inside commercial buses and making public transportation safer for both drivers and passengers. The restriction targets the familiar scene of preachers and hawkers operating inside moving vehicles, which legislators say creates critical distractions for drivers.
Drunk driving fine jumps to ₦100,000
The Senate also approved a major increase in penalties for motorists caught driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. The offence, which previously attracted a ₦5,000 fine, will now attract a ₦100,000 fine, with offenders also risking up to two years imprisonment or both. The amended law states that "any person found driving or attempting to drive while under the influence of alcohol or drugs above the legal limit, or to such an extent that they are incapable of proper control of the vehicle, commits an offence."
Refusing FRSC breath tests could cost ₦50,000
Motorists who refuse to cooperate with FRSC officials during roadside breath tests may also face stiffer punishment. The amendment provides a ₦50,000 fine, six months imprisonment, or both for anyone who refuses to cooperate with FRSC personnel conducting preliminary roadside breath tests based on reasonable suspicion.
Running red lights and speeding now ₦100,000
Motorists who run red lights, ignore road markings, or exceed speed limits will see their penalties jump from a minor ₦5,000 fine to a flat ₦100,000 charge. The same applies to speed limit violations, which have increased from ₦5,000 to ₦100,000. Reckless driving now carries a ₦100,000 fine, up to two years imprisonment, or both, depending on the circumstances.
Senate says tougher penalties will improve road safety
The amendment, titled Federal Road Safety Corps Act (Amendment), 2026 (HBs. 1401 & 1604 – For Concurrence), was first read in the Senate on July 1, 2026. The revised schedule now contains 52 traffic offences and their corresponding penalties. According to the Senate, the review is meant to strengthen the FRSC's enforcement powers, improve compliance with traffic rules, and reduce road crashes across the country. If eventually signed into law by President Tinubu, the new penalties are expected to affect millions of motorists, commercial transport operators, and commuters, especially in major Nigerian cities where preaching, hawking, and trading inside buses have become a common sight.
