Senate Passes Bill Proposing ₦100,000 Fine For Major Traffic Offences

The Senate has passed a bill seeking to amend the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) Act, proposing tougher penalties for a range of traffic offences aimed at improving road safety and ensuring greater compliance with traffic regulations across the country.

Under the proposed amendment, motorists who fail to obey traffic lights, road signs, road markings or other traffic control devices will be liable to a fine of ₦100,000.

The bill also introduces a ₦50,000 fine for individuals caught hawking, trading or preaching inside commercial buses as part of efforts to improve safety and orderliness in public transportation.

In addition, the legislation prescribes stiffer sanctions for driving under the influence of alcohol or intoxicating drugs. Offenders, upon conviction, could face a fine of ₦100,000, a prison term of up to two years, or both. This represents a significant increase from the existing ₦5,000 penalty under the current law.

Motorists who refuse to cooperate with FRSC officials during roadside breath tests conducted on reasonable suspicion of intoxication would also be liable to a ₦50,000 fine, six months’ imprisonment, or both.

The amendment further proposes a ₦100,000 fine for speed limit violations, while reckless driving would attract the same fine, imprisonment for up to two years, or both, depending on the severity of the offence.

According to lawmakers, the amendment is intended to modernise the FRSC Act, strengthen the Corps’ enforcement powers and promote stricter adherence to traffic laws in order to reduce road crashes and enhance safety for all road users.

Although the Senate has approved the bill, it is yet to become law. It will require concurrence by the House of Representatives, where applicable, and presidential assent before the proposed penalties can take effect nationwide.