Government bans hawking, preaching in buses, attract ₦50,000 fine

The Senate has passed the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) Act (Amendment) Bill, 2026, introducing stiffer penalties for a wide range of traffic offences, including a proposed N50,000 fine for anyone caught hawking, trading or preaching inside commercial buses.

The bill, which is awaiting presidential assent, also prescribes a N50,000 fine, six months' imprisonment, or both, for motorists who fail to cooperate with officials of the Federal Road Safety Corps during roadside breath tests conducted on reasonable suspicion.

Details of the amended legislation indicate that penalties for several traffic offences have been increased by as much as 300 per cent in a bid to improve compliance with road safety regulations, curb reckless driving and reduce road crashes across the country.

The proposed legislation, titled Federal Road Safety Corps Act (Amendment) Bill, 2026 (HBs. 1401 & 1604 – For Concurrence), was first read in the Senate on July 1, 2026.

Under the amendment, any person found hawking, trading or preaching inside a commercial vehicle commits an offence and, upon conviction, will be liable to a fine of N50,000.

Lawmakers said the provision is intended to reduce distractions inside public transport vehicles and enhance the safety of commuters.

During deliberations on the bill, senators argued that stricter sanctions had become necessary to address persistent traffic violations and unsafe driving practices on Nigerian roads.

The amendment also raises the penalty for driving under the influence of alcohol or intoxicating drugs from N5,000 to N100,000. Convicted offenders may also face up to two years' imprisonment or both.

The bill provides that any person who drives or attempts to drive a vehicle while under the influence of alcohol or drugs beyond the legal limit, or to the extent that they are incapable of exercising proper control of the vehicle, commits an offence.

Similarly, motorists who refuse to cooperate with FRSC officials conducting preliminary roadside breath tests based on reasonable suspicion will be liable to a N50,000 fine, six months' imprisonment, or both.

The amended legislation further prescribes a N100,000 fine for motorists who fail to obey traffic lights, road signs, pavement markings or other traffic control devices.

Speed limit violations, previously punishable by a N5,000 fine, will now attract a N100,000 penalty under the proposed law. Reckless driving will also attract a N100,000 fine, up to two years' imprisonment, or both.

The revised schedule of offences under the amendment lists 52 traffic violations and their corresponding penalties.

According to the Senate, the review is aimed at strengthening the enforcement powers of the FRSC, improving compliance with traffic laws and enhancing road safety nationwide.

If signed into law by the President, the new penalties are expected to significantly affect commercial transport operators and commuters, particularly in major cities where hawking and preaching inside commercial buses are common practices.