The Senate has passed the Federal Road Safety Corps (Amendment) Bill, 2026, proposing a N50,000 fine for anyone convicted of hawking, trading or preaching inside commercial vehicles.
The bill, which now awaits President Bola Tinubu’s assent, also introduces stiffer penalties for several traffic offences, including drunk driving, speeding, reckless driving and refusal to cooperate with roadside breath tests conducted by officials of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC).
Under the proposed law, anyone found hawking, trading or preaching inside a commercial vehicle commits an offence and, upon conviction, will be liable to a N50,000 fine.
Lawmakers said the provision was introduced to minimise distractions inside commercial vehicles and improve passenger safety.
The amendment also empowers FRSC officials to conduct preliminary roadside breath tests where there is reasonable suspicion that a driver is under the influence of alcohol or intoxicating substances.
Any motorist who refuses to cooperate with such tests faces a N50,000 fine, six months’ imprisonment, or both.
The bill further raises the penalty for driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs from N5,000 to N100,000, with offenders also liable to up to two years’ imprisonment or both.
Similarly, motorists who violate speed limits will now face a N100,000 fine, replacing the previous N5,000 penalty.
The Senate also approved a N100,000 fine for reckless driving, with offenders liable to up to two years in prison or both imprisonment and a fine.
Disobeying traffic lights, road signs, pavement markings and other traffic control devices will equally attract a N100,000 penalty under the amended legislation.
According to the revised schedule, the amendment outlines 52 traffic offences and their corresponding sanctions.
Lawmakers said the tougher penalties are intended to strengthen the FRSC’s enforcement powers, improve compliance with road safety regulations and reduce the growing incidence of road traffic crashes across the country.
The bill will become law if signed by the President.
