The Senate on Thursday passed the Federal Road Safety Corps (Amendment) Bill, 2026, introducing tougher penalties for several traffic offences.
The bill, which is now awaiting presidential assent, proposes a ₦50,000 fine for anyone convicted of hawking, trading or preaching inside commercial vehicles.
It also recommends a ₦50,000 fine, six months’ imprisonment, or both, for any motorist who refuses to cooperate with Federal Road Safety Corps officials during roadside breath tests carried out on reasonable suspicion.
The amended law raises penalties for a number of traffic offences as part of efforts to improve compliance with road safety rules and reduce road crashes across the country.
Under the proposed legislation, anyone caught hawking, trading or preaching inside a commercial vehicle commits an offence and, if convicted, will pay a ₦50,000 fine.
Lawmakers said the measure was introduced to reduce distractions inside commercial vehicles and improve the safety of passengers.
The bill also raises the penalty for driving under the influence of alcohol or intoxicating drugs from ₦5,000 to ₦100,000. Offenders also face up to two years in prison, or both imprisonment and the fine.
