FRSC officials checking car owner's documents on highway
Beat Traffic Lights, Pay Fine of N100,000
Nigerian Senate on Thursday, passed the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) Act (Amendment) Bill, 2026, introducing stiffer penalties for traffic offences, including imposing a N50,000 fine on anyone caught hawking, trading or preaching in commercial buses.
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.
While the new Act of the National Assembly awaits presidential assent, Business Hilights.ng gathered that it 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.
Additional details of the amended legislation indicate that penalties for several traffic offences have been increased by as much as 300 percent as part of efforts to curb reckless driving, improve compliance with road safety regulations and reduce road crashes.
The proposed legislation, 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.
Senators who barred their minds during plenary averred that the provision was introduced to discourage distractions in public vehicles and enhance the safety of commuters.
During deliberations on the bill, senators argued that stronger sanctions had become necessary to address persistent traffic violations and unsafe practices on Nigerian roads.
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.
It 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.
Similarly, motorists who refuse to cooperate with FRSC personnel conducting preliminary roadside breath tests based on reasonable suspicion will face a N50,000 fine, six months’ imprisonment, or both.
