The Senate has approved amendments to the Federal Road Safety Commission, FRSC, Act that will significantly increase penalties for traffic offences across the country, with fines for several violations rising by as much as 300 percent.
The amended legislation, which is awaiting presidential assent before taking effect, is designed to strengthen road safety enforcement and discourage reckless driving and other traffic related offences.
Under the new provisions, anyone found hawking, trading or preaching inside commercial vehicles will face a fine of ₦50,000 upon conviction. Lawmakers said the measure is intended to curb activities that distract drivers and endanger passengers on public roads.
During deliberations on the Federal Road Safety Corps Act Amendment Bill 2026, senators argued that stronger penalties are necessary to improve discipline among road users and reduce the number of avoidable accidents caused by careless behaviour.
The revised schedule of the Act lists 52 traffic offences along with their corresponding penalties. Several common violations, including driving under the influence of alcohol, speeding, reckless driving, failure to obey traffic signs, using a mobile phone while driving, overloading, driving without a valid licence and seat belt violations, now attract much heavier sanctions.
Under the amendment, anyone convicted of driving under the influence of alcohol or intoxicating substances will be liable to a fine of ₦100,000, a prison term of up to two years, or both. The law also prescribes a ₦50,000 fine, six months imprisonment, or both for motorists who refuse to cooperate with FRSC officers during a lawful roadside breath test conducted on reasonable suspicion.
Failure to comply with traffic lights, road signs, road markings or pavement instructions will now attract a ₦100,000 fine. Speed limit violations, previously punishable with a ₦5,000 fine, have also been increased to ₦100,000. The same penalty applies to reckless driving, which may additionally attract a prison sentence of up to two years.
The Senate said the amendment is aimed at giving the FRSC stronger legal backing to improve compliance with traffic regulations and enhance safety on Nigerian roads.
Commercial transport operators and commuters are expected to feel the impact of the new law, particularly in major cities such as Abuja and Lagos, where hawking and public preaching inside commercial buses remain widespread.
The FRSC has repeatedly argued that existing penalties have not been strong enough to discourage traffic violations. With the passage of the amended Act, offenders are expected to face much tougher consequences for breaking road safety regulations.
