Senate Approves N50,000 Fine for Preaching, Hawking Inside Commercial Buses

The Nigerian Senate has passed the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) Act Amendment Bill, 2026, introducing new penalties for several traffic offences, including a N50,000 fine for anyone convicted of preaching, hawking or trading inside commercial vehicles.

The bill, which seeks to strengthen road safety regulations and improve enforcement across the country, has now been forwarded for Presidential assent before it can become law.

Under the proposed amendment, individuals who engage in commercial activities such as hawking or trading, or those who preach inside commercial buses, will be committing an offence and may face a N50,000 penalty upon conviction.

The Senate explained that the provision was introduced to reduce distractions inside public transport vehicles and improve the safety of passengers, drivers and other road users.

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The amendment is part of a wider review of the FRSC Act aimed at strengthening the powers of the Federal Road Safety Corps, improving compliance with traffic regulations and reducing road crashes caused by unsafe practices.

Aside from the ban on preaching and hawking in commercial vehicles, the amended law also introduces tougher penalties for motorists who violate traffic regulations, including those who fail to cooperate with FRSC officials during roadside breath tests.

Motorists who refuse to undergo a breath test when there is reasonable suspicion of driving under the influence of alcohol or intoxicating substances will face a N50,000 fine, six months imprisonment, or both, under the proposed legislation.

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The Senate also approved an increase in penalties for driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, raising the fine from N5,000 to N100,000, with offenders also liable to up to two years imprisonment or both.

The amendment further increases penalties for offences such as disobeying traffic lights, road signs, pavement markings and other traffic control devices, with offenders facing a N100,000 fine.

Speed limit violations, which previously attracted a N5,000 penalty, will also carry a N100,000 fine under the proposed changes, while reckless driving may attract a similar fine, two years imprisonment, or both.

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The revised schedule of offences contained in the bill covers 52 different traffic violations and their corresponding penalties, reflecting lawmakers’ push for stricter road safety measures nationwide.

The Senate said the amendments were necessary due to persistent road safety challenges, including reckless driving, non-compliance with traffic laws and activities capable of distracting drivers while operating vehicles.

If assented to by the President, the new provisions will form part of Nigeria’s updated road safety framework and will guide enforcement activities by the FRSC and other relevant authorities.

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