FRSC Act: Senate Hikes Traffic Fines by 300%

The Senate has approved amendments to the FRSC Act, increasing traffic fines by up to 300 per cent and introducing tougher penalties to improve road safety nationwide.

The Senate has passed amendments to the Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC) Act, introducing significantly higher penalties for traffic offences in a move aimed at improving road safety and reducing accidents across the country.

Details of the amended legislation, obtained on Thursday, show that fines for several major traffic violations have increased by as much as 300 per cent, reflecting what lawmakers described as a tougher approach to enforcing traffic regulations.

Among the new provisions is a ₦50,000 fine for anyone convicted of trading, hawking or preaching inside commercial vehicles.

According to the amendment, individuals found engaging in such activities in public transport will be liable to the penalty upon conviction.

The bill, titled Federal Road Safety Corps Act (Amendment), 2026 (HBs. 1401 & 1604 – For Concurrence), was first read in the Senate on July 1, 2025, before its passage.

During deliberations, senators argued that stronger sanctions were necessary to curb reckless behaviour on Nigerian roads and reduce crashes linked to distractions and traffic violations.

One lawmaker noted that commercial vehicles had increasingly become venues for trading and public preaching, creating safety risks for passengers and motorists.

“Our roads have become marketplaces and crusade grounds. This cannot continue. The penalties must hurt enough to change behaviour,” the senator said during plenary.

The amendment also increases penalties for a range of other offences, including driving under the influence of alcohol, using mobile phones while driving, overloading vehicles, failing to wear seat belts and driving without a valid licence.

Under the revised law, the fine for driving under the influence of alcohol has risen from ₦5,000 to ₦100,000.

The legislation further provides that offenders may face up to two years imprisonment or both a fine and imprisonment upon conviction.

According to the amended provision, any person found driving, attempting to drive or in control of a vehicle while under the influence of alcohol or intoxicating drugs beyond the legal limit commits an offence punishable by a ₦100,000 fine, imprisonment for a term not exceeding two years, or both.