Nigeria’s Senate has passed the Federal Road Safety Corps (Amendment) Bill, 2026, proposing stricter penalties for traffic violations, including a ₦50,000 fine for preaching, hawking, or trading inside commercial vehicles.
The bill, which is awaiting presidential assent, is part of broader efforts to improve road safety and reduce accidents nationwide.
Under the proposed law, anyone found engaging in commercial or religious activities inside a moving vehicle will face a ₦50,000 fine upon conviction. Lawmakers say the measure is aimed at reducing distractions for drivers and passengers.
The amendment also introduces tougher sanctions for motorists who obstruct roadside alcohol checks. Offenders risk a ₦50,000 fine, six months in prison, or both for refusing to cooperate with officials of the Federal Road Safety Corps during breath tests.
Penalties for driving under the influence have been significantly increased from ₦5,000 to ₦100,000, with a possible two-year jail term. Similarly, violations such as speeding, reckless driving, and disobeying traffic signals will now attract fines of up to ₦100,000, alongside potential imprisonment.
The revised law outlines 52 traffic offences and corresponding penalties, strengthening enforcement powers and aiming to improve compliance with road safety regulations across Nigeria.
