Senate Approves ₦50,000 Fine for Preaching, Hawking in Commercial Buses

By Opeyemi Adelakun

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

The bill, which has been transmitted for presidential assent, also prescribes a ₦50,000 fine, six months’ imprisonment, or both, for motorists who refuse to cooperate with Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) officials during roadside breath tests conducted on reasonable suspicion.

The amended legislation, passed on Thursday, introduces stiffer penalties for several traffic offences as part of efforts to improve compliance with road safety regulations and reduce road crashes nationwide.

Under the proposed law, anyone found preaching, hawking or trading 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 minimise distractions in commercial vehicles and enhance 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 could also face 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 be liable to a ₦50,000 fine, six months’ imprisonment, or both.

The proposed amendment further increases the penalty for disobeying traffic lights, road signs, pavement markings and other traffic control devices to ₦100,000.

Speed limit violations, previously punishable with a ₦5,000 fine, will now attract a ₦100,000 penalty, while reckless driving will also attract a ₦100,000 fine, up to two years’ imprisonment, or both.

The revised schedule of offences under the amendment lists 52 traffic violations and their corresponding penalties.

According to the Senate, the review is aimed at strengthening the FRSC’s enforcement powers, improving compliance with traffic regulations and enhancing safety on Nigerian roads.