Senate passes bill proposing N50,000 fine for hawking, preaching in commercial vehicles

The Senate has approved the Federal Road Safety Corps (Amendment) Bill, 2026, introducing stiffer penalties for several traffic-related offences, including a proposed N50,000 fine for anyone convicted of hawking, trading or preaching inside commercial vehicles.

The legislation, which has been forwarded for presidential assent, also recommends a N50,000 fine, six months’ imprisonment, or both, for motorists who refuse to cooperate with Federal Road Safety Corps officials during roadside breath tests carried out on reasonable suspicion.

Passed by the upper chamber on Thursday, the amendment seeks to strengthen road safety enforcement by increasing sanctions for traffic offences and promoting better compliance with road regulations across the country.

Under the new provisions, anyone found engaging in hawking, trading or preaching inside a commercial vehicle would be committing an offence and, if convicted, would face a N50,000 fine.

Lawmakers said the provision was introduced to discourage distractions in commercial vehicles and improve the safety of commuters.

The bill also raises the punishment for driving under the influence of alcohol or intoxicating drugs from N5,000 to N100,000.

Convicted offenders may also face up to two years in prison or both the fine and imprisonment.

Motorists who decline to cooperate with FRSC officers carrying out preliminary roadside breath tests based on reasonable suspicion would also be liable to a N50,000 fine, six months’ imprisonment, or both.

In addition, the proposed amendment increases the penalty for ignoring traffic lights, road signs, pavement markings and other traffic control devices to N100,000.

The fine for violating speed limits has also been increased from N5,000 to N100,000, while reckless driving will now attract a N100,000 fine, a prison term of up to two years, or both penalties.

The revised schedule attached to the bill outlines 52 traffic offences along with their respective penalties.

According to the Senate, the amendment is intended to strengthen the enforcement powers of the FRSC, encourage greater adherence to traffic laws and improve safety on roads across the country.