SENATE PASSES ROAD SAFETY LAW WITH N100,000 FINE FOR SPEEDING, N50,000 FOR PREACHING IN BUSES

 

The Senate has passed the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) Act (Amendment) Bill, 2026, introducing significantly tougher penalties for traffic offences across the country. Under the amendment, anyone convicted of “failure to obey traffic lights, road signs, pavement or road markings” will be liable to a N100,000 fine. The bill also prescribes a N50,000 fine for anyone found “hawking, trading or preaching” inside commercial buses. The proposed law further raises the penalty for driving under the influence of alcoh%l or intox+cating dr¥gs from N5,000 to N100,000, with offenders also facing up to two years’ imprisonment or both upon conviction. Motorists who refuse to cooperate with FRSC officials during roadside breath tests conducted on reasonable suspicion will also face a N50,000 fine, six months’ imprisonment, or both. In addition, speed limit violations, which previously attracted a N5,000 fine, will now carry a N100,000 penalty, while reckless driving will also attract a N100,000 fine, up to two years’ imprisonment, or both. According to the Senate, the amendment is aimed at strengthening the FRSC’s enforcement powers, improving compliance with traffic regulations, and enhancing safety on Nigerian roads. The bill has been passed by the Senate and is awaiting presidential assent before it becomes law.