Nigerians could soon face much stiffer penalties for breaking traffic rules after the Senate passed the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) Act (Amendment) Bill, 2026.
If signed into law by President Bola Tinubu, the new legislation will introduce higher fines for several traffic offences, including a N100,000 penalty for ignoring traffic lights and a N50,000 fine for preaching, hawking or trading inside commercial buses.
The proposed law has sparked discussions because it goes beyond motorists and also affects activities commonly seen inside public transport. Moreover, lawmakers say the tougher sanctions are designed to improve road safety and reduce avoidable crashes across Nigeria.
The FRSC Amendment Bill 2026 also proposes heavier punishment for speeding, reckless driving and driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Consequently, motorists and commercial transport operators may soon be required to comply with stricter traffic regulations or face severe penalties.
According to details of the amendment passed by the Senate, motorists who fail to obey traffic lights, road signs, pavement markings or other traffic control devices will be liable to a N100,000 fine upon conviction.
In addition, anyone found hawking, trading or preaching inside commercial vehicles will also commit an offence under the proposed law.
The amendment prescribes a N50,000 fine for such activities.
Lawmakers explained that the measure is intended to reduce distractions inside commercial buses and improve the safety of passengers.
Furthermore, the Senate significantly increased the punishment for driving under the influence of alcohol or intoxicating drugs.
The offence previously attracted a N5,000 fine.
However, under the amended bill, offenders will face a N100,000 fine, up to two years’ imprisonment, or both upon conviction.
The proposed law also targets motorists who refuse to cooperate with FRSC officers during roadside breath tests.
According to the amendment, anyone who fails to comply with a lawful request for a breath test based on reasonable suspicion may be fined N50,000.
The offender may also face six months’ imprisonment or both penalties if convicted.
Meanwhile, speed limit violations will also attract much higher sanctions if the bill becomes law.
Instead of the previous N5,000 penalty, offenders will now be liable to pay N100,000.
Similarly, reckless driving will attract a N100,000 fine, imprisonment for up to two years, or both.
The Senate stated that the review became necessary because existing penalties no longer reflect present realities.
Moreover, lawmakers argued that stronger punishment would encourage greater compliance with road traffic regulations.
According to the amended legislation, a revised schedule now lists 52 traffic offences together with their corresponding penalties.
The bill, titled Federal Road Safety Corps Act (Amendment), 2026 (HBs. 1401 & 1604 – For Concurrence), was first read in the Senate on July 1, 2026.
It has now been passed by the upper legislative chamber.
However, the legislation has not yet become law.
It is currently awaiting presidential assent before implementation can begin nationwide.
According to the Senate, the amendment is intended to strengthen the enforcement powers of the Federal Road Safety Corps.
Furthermore, lawmakers believe stricter enforcement will improve compliance and reduce the number of road accidents across the country.
The proposed changes are also expected to affect commercial transport operators, private motorists and passengers alike.
Meanwhile, many Nigerians are expected to closely monitor the next stage of the legislative process.
If signed into law, the FRSC Amendment Bill 2026 will represent one of the biggest overhauls of Nigeria’s traffic penalties in recent years.
