Senate Passes Bill Proposing ₦50,000 Fine for Preaching, Hawking in Commercial Buses

The Senate has passed the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) Act (Amendment) Bill, 2026, proposing stiffer penalties for traffic offences, including a ₦50,000 fine for anyone caught preaching, hawking or trading inside commercial buses.

The lawmakers said the amendment is aimed at improving road safety, minimising distractions for drivers and reducing the alarming rate of road crashes across the country.

Under the proposed legislation, individuals found hawking, trading or preaching inside commercial vehicles would be liable to a ₦50,000 fine, a move the Senate says will enhance passenger safety by limiting activities capable of diverting drivers’ attention.

The bill also introduces tougher sanctions for motorists who refuse to cooperate with officials of the Federal Road Safety Corps during roadside breathalyser tests. Offenders risk a ₦50,000 fine, six months’ imprisonment, or both upon conviction.

For driving under the influence of alcohol or other intoxicating substances, the proposed penalty has been raised from ₦5,000 to ₦100,000, with offenders also facing up to two years’ imprisonment, or both, if found guilty.

Other key provisions of the amendment include a ₦100,000 fine for disobeying traffic lights, road signs and other traffic control devices, a ₦100,000 fine for speeding, replacing the previous ₦5,000 penalty, and a ₦100,000 fine, up to two years’ imprisonment, or both, for reckless driving.

The Senate said the amendment is intended to strengthen the enforcement powers of the FRSC, improve compliance with traffic regulations and significantly reduce road accidents nationwide.

The bill will now be transmitted to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for assent. It will only become law after receiving presidential approval.