Breaking: Senate Proposes ₦50,000 Fine for Preaching, hawking in Commercial Buses
The Senate has passed the Federal Road Safety Corps (Amendment) Bill, 2026, proposing a ₦50,000 fine for anyone convicted of hawking, trading or preaching inside commercial vehicles as part of efforts to improve road safety across the country.
The bill, which now awaits presidential assent, also prescribes a ₦50,000 fine, six months’ imprisonment, or both, for motorists who refuse to cooperate with officials of the Federal Road Safety Corps during roadside breath tests conducted on reasonable suspicion.
Passed on Thursday, the amended legislation introduces stiffer penalties for a wide range of traffic offences aimed at strengthening compliance with road safety regulations and reducing road crashes nationwide.
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 ₦50,000 fine. Lawmakers said the provision is intended to minimise distractions in commercial buses and improve the safety of commuters.
The bill also raises the penalty for driving under the influence of alcohol or intoxicating drugs from ₦5,000 to ₦100,000. Convicted offenders could also face up to two years’ imprisonment, or both.
Similarly, motorists who refuse to cooperate with FRSC personnel conducting preliminary roadside breath tests based on reasonable suspicion will be liable to a ₦50,000 fine, six months’ imprisonment, or both.
The proposed amendment further increases the penalty for disobeying traffic lights, road signs, pavement markings and other traffic control devices to ₦100,000. Speed limit violations, previously punishable with a ₦5,000 fine, will also attract a ₦100,000 penalty, while reckless driving will carry a ₦100,000 fine, up to two years’ imprisonment, or both.
In all, the revised schedule of offences under the amendment lists 52 traffic violations and their corresponding penalties. According to the Senate, the review is designed to strengthen the FRSC’s enforcement powers, improve compliance with traffic laws and enhance safety on Nigerian roads.