Senate proposes N50,000 fine for preaching, hawking inside commercial vehicles

The Senate has approved the Federal Road Safety Corps (Amendment) Bill, 2026, introducing a proposed ₦50,000 fine for anyone convicted of hawking, trading or preaching inside commercial vehicles.

The legislation, which has been transmitted for presidential assent, also proposes a ₦50,000 fine, a six-month jail term, or both, for motorists who refuse to cooperate with Federal Road Safety Corps officials during roadside breath tests carried out on reasonable suspicion.

The bill, passed by the upper legislative chamber on Thursday, seeks to impose stiffer sanctions for a range of traffic offences to strengthen compliance with road safety laws and reduce crashes across the country.

Under the proposed amendment, engaging in hawking, trading or preaching inside a commercial vehicle will constitute an offence punishable by a ₦50,000 fine upon conviction.

The Senate said the measure is intended to minimise distractions in commercial vehicles and enhance the safety of passengers and other road users.

The amendment also raises the penalty for driving under the influence of alcohol or intoxicating substances from ₦5,000 to ₦100,000. Convicted offenders may also face up to two years’ imprisonment, or both.

Motorists who decline 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 law further increases the penalty for violating traffic lights, road signs, pavement markings and other traffic control devices to ₦100,000.

It also raises the fine for exceeding the speed limit from ₦5,000 to ₦100,000, while reckless driving will attract a ₦100,000 fine, up to two years’ imprisonment, or both.

The amendment contains a revised schedule outlining 52 traffic offences and the penalties attached to each of them.

The Senate said the review is designed to strengthen the enforcement powers of the FRSC, improve adherence to traffic regulations and promote safer roads across the country.