The Nigerian Senate has passed the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) Amendment Bill, 2026, proposing tougher sanctions for a wide range of traffic offences as part of efforts to improve road safety and reduce accidents across the country.
One of the most talked-about provisions in the bill introduces a ₦50,000 fine for anyone convicted of hawking, trading or preaching inside commercial buses.
The legislation also proposes heavier penalties for offences such as drunk driving, reckless driving, speeding, traffic light violations and refusing to cooperate with FRSC officials during roadside breath tests.
Although the bill has been passed by the Senate, it will only become law after receiving presidential assent.
Fines In FRSC Amendment Bill You Should Know About
₦50,000 Fine For Preaching, Hawking And Trading In Commercial Vehicles
Among the key provisions of the amendment is a new offence targeting activities considered capable of distracting drivers while commercial vehicles are in motion.
Under the proposed law, any person convicted of hawking, trading or preaching inside a commercial bus will be liable to a ₦50,000 fine.
Lawmakers said the measure is designed to reduce distractions inside commercial vehicles, arguing that such activities can compromise the concentration of drivers and increase the risk of road crashes.
Refusing A Roadside Breath Test Could Lead To Jail
The amendment also grants the FRSC stronger enforcement powers by authorising officers to conduct roadside breath tests on motorists reasonably suspected of driving under the influence of alcohol or other intoxicating substances.
Drivers who refuse to cooperate with officials during such tests could face a ₦50,000 fine, six months’ imprisonment, or both if the bill is signed into law.
Drunk Driving Penalty Increased To ₦100,000
The proposed legislation significantly raises the punishment for driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
If enacted, the existing ₦5,000 fine will increase to ₦100,000, while offenders may also face up to two years’ imprisonment or both penalties.
The Senate believes stiffer sanctions will discourage impaired driving and help reduce preventable road accidents.
Traffic Light and Road Sign Violations Attract ₦100,000 Fine
Motorists who ignore traffic control measures could also face much harsher penalties under the amendment.
The bill proposes that anyone who disobeys traffic lights, road signs, pavement markings or other traffic control devices will be liable to a ₦100,000 fine.
Lawmakers said stricter enforcement is necessary to improve compliance with road regulations nationwide.
Speeding Offences to Attract Heavier Punishment
The amendment also increases penalties for speed limit violations.
Instead of the current ₦5,000 fine, motorists caught exceeding speed limits would face a ₦100,000 penalty if the bill becomes law.
The Senate believes excessive speeding remains one of the leading causes of fatal road crashes in Nigeria.
Reckless Driving Could Lead to Prison
Drivers found guilty of reckless driving would also face tougher consequences under the proposed amendment.
The bill prescribes a ₦100,000 fine, up to two years’ imprisonment, or both for offenders.
Lawmakers said the tougher punishment is intended to promote responsible driving and improve safety on Nigerian roads.
52 Traffic Offences Reviewed
Beyond the headline-grabbing fines, the amendment comprehensively reviews the FRSC Act by revising penalties for 52 different traffic offences.
According to lawmakers, the review is aimed at strengthening enforcement, encouraging greater compliance with traffic regulations and reducing the country’s high rate of road crashes.
What Happens Next?
Although the Senate has approved the FRSC Amendment Bill, 2026, it is not yet law.
The proposed changes will only take effect if the bill receives presidential assent.
If signed into law, the amendment will introduce one of the most significant overhauls of Nigeria’s road traffic enforcement regime in recent years, bringing tougher penalties for motorists and road users while expanding the enforcement powers of the Federal Road Safety Corps.
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