The Nigerian Senate has passed the revised Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) Act (Amendment) Bill, 2026, introducing tougher penalties for a wide range of road and transport-related offences.
Among the major changes in the amended legislation is a new ₦50,000 fine for individuals who sell goods, hawk, or preach inside commercial buses. The measure is aimed at reducing distractions in public transport vehicles and improving passenger safety.
The bill, formally titled 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, and has now received approval from lawmakers. It will become law once signed by the president.
Under the amended provisions, anyone convicted of hawking goods or conducting preaching activities inside commercial vehicles will face a ₦50,000 penalty. Lawmakers said the restriction is intended to address safety concerns linked to distractions and disorderly activities within public transportation.
The legislation also introduces stricter punishment for drivers who refuse roadside breathalyzer or preliminary sobriety tests when requested by road safety officials based on reasonable suspicion. Offenders could receive a ₦50,000 fine, a six-month jail term, or both.
Tougher Penalties for Traffic Violations
The revised bill increases penalties for several traffic offences, with some fines rising by as much as 300 percent. The Senate said the adjustments are necessary to discourage reckless driving, improve compliance with traffic regulations, and reduce road crashes nationwide.
Driving under the influence of alcohol or narcotics will now attract a ₦100,000 fine, a prison term of up to two years, or both. The offence applies to motorists who operate or attempt to operate vehicles while impaired beyond the legally permitted limit or to a level that affects safe vehicle control.
The bill also raises penalties for several other offences, including:
Ignoring traffic signals, road signs, lane markings, or traffic control systems: ₦100,000 fine.
Exceeding speed limits: Increased from ₦5,000 to ₦100,000.
Dangerous or reckless driving: ₦100,000 fine, up to two years imprisonment, or both.
New Enforcement Framework
The amended law outlines 52 traffic offences with updated financial penalties and possible custodial sentences. The Senate said the changes are designed to strengthen the FRSC’s ability to enforce road regulations and improve safety standards across Nigeria’s highways.
The new measures are expected to significantly affect commercial drivers, passengers, and informal traders, particularly in busy urban areas where onboard sales and religious activities in public transport vehicles are common.
Lawmakers maintained that stronger sanctions are necessary to address persistent road violations and promote safer driving habits among motorists nationwide.
