Senate Passes FRSC Amendment Bill with Stiffer Penalties

The Nigerian Senate has passed the Federal Road Safety Corps (Amendment) Bill, 2026, introducing tougher sanctions for traffic offences and expanding the enforcement powers of the FRSC. The bill, which now awaits presidential assent, prescribes fines and custodial sentences aimed at curbing road indiscipline and enhancing commuter safety.

The bill prescribes any person convicted of engaging in hawking, trading, or preaching inside a commercial vehicle will face a fine of ₦50,000. Lawmakers explained that this provision seeks to eliminate distractions that compromise passenger safety.

According to the bill, Motorists who fail to comply with roadside breath tests conducted on reasonable suspicion will be liable to a ₦50,000 fine, six months’ imprisonment, or both.

The amended legislation, passed by the Senate on Thursday, significantly increases penalties for several traffic offences as part of efforts to improve compliance with road safety regulations and reduce road crashes.

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

The bill also increases the penalty for driving under the influence of alcohol or intoxicating drugs from ₦5,000 to ₦100,000. Offenders also risk up to two years’ imprisonment or both.

Motorists who refuse to cooperate with FRSC personnel conducting preliminary roadside breath tests based on reasonable suspicion will also face a ₦50,000 fine, six months’ imprisonment, or both.

The proposed amendment further raises the penalty for disobedience of traffic lights, pavement markings, and other control devices will now attract a ₦100,000 fine, while Speed limit violations, previously penalised with ₦5,000, will now attract a ₦100,000 fine. Reckless driving carries the same fine, with the added risk of two years’ imprisonment or both.

The revised legislation lists 52 traffic violations with corresponding penalties, signalling a comprehensive overhaul of Nigeria’s traffic enforcement framework.

According to the Senate, the amendment is designed to strengthen FRSC enforcement powers, improve compliance with traffic regulations, and reduce road crashes and fatalities

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