On July 16, 2026, the senate has officially passed the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) Amendment Bill, 2026, marking a major overhaul of the nation’s road traffic enforcement framework. The legislation, which now awaits presidential assent, introduces significantly stiffer penalties for various traffic offenses, including a ₦50,000 fine for preaching, hawking, or trading inside commercial vehicles.
Designed to enhance road safety, strengthen regulatory compliance, and reduce road crashes nationwide, the landmark bill comprehensively updates penalties across 52 distinct traffic offenses under the FRSC Act.
Key Legislative Provisions and Penalties
In-Bus Distractions: Under the proposed law, anyone convicted of hawking, trading, or preaching inside moving commercial buses will face a ₦50,000 fine. Lawmakers emphasized that this measure aims to eliminate major driver distractions and protect passenger safety.
Drunk Driving Enforcement: The penalty for driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs has been increased from ₦5,000 to ₦100,000, alongside a potential prison term of up to two years, or both.
Mandatory Breathalyzer Compliance: The bill empowers FRSC officers to conduct roadside breath tests on suspected motorists. Drivers who refuse to cooperate face a ₦50,000 fine, six months’ imprisonment, or both.
Reckless Driving & Speeding: Penalties for speed limit violations have been raised from ₦5,000 to ₦100,000. Reckless driving now carries a ₦100,000 fine, up to two years in prison, or both.
Traffic Control Violations: Disobeying traffic lights, road signs, or pavement markings will attract a ₦100,000 fine.
Legislators noted that the current penalties no longer serve as effective deterrents, making an updated enforcement regime essential for curbing reckless behavior on Nigerian roads.
Upon receiving presidential assent, the FRSC Amendment Bill, 2026, will represent one of the most comprehensive reforms to highway safety and traffic management in the country’s recent history.
