The Senate has passed a bill seeking tougher penalties for several traffic offences, including a proposed N50,000 fine for anyone convicted of preaching, hawking or trading inside commercial vehicles.
The proposed amendment to the Federal Road Safety Corps Act, passed on Thursday, is aimed at improving road safety by introducing stricter punishments for offences that lawmakers say endanger motorists and passengers. The bill will now be sent to the President for assent.
If the bill becomes law, people found guilty of hawking, trading or preaching inside commercial vehicles will pay a N50,000 fine. Lawmakers said the measure is intended to reduce distractions that could affect drivers and put passengers at risk.
The bill also proposes a N50,000 fine, six months’ imprisonment, or both, for motorists who refuse to cooperate with officials of the Federal Road Safety Corps during roadside breath tests conducted on reasonable suspicion.
The amendment is part of a broader review of the FRSC Act aimed at strengthening road safety enforcement, improving compliance with traffic rules and reducing road crashes across the country.
The bill also increases the penalty for driving under the influence of alcohol or intoxicating drugs from N5,000 to N100,000.
Offenders convicted of drunk driving could also face up to two years’ imprisonment or both.
The proposed amendment further raises the penalty for disobeying traffic lights, road signs, pavement markings and other traffic control devices to N100,000.
It also increases the fine for speed limit violations from N5,000 to N100,000, while reckless driving will attract a N100,000 fine, up to two years’ imprisonment, or both.
The revised schedule of offences in the bill contains 52 traffic violations and their corresponding penalties.
According to the Senate, the amendment is designed to strengthen the FRSC’s enforcement powers, improve compliance with traffic regulations and make Nigerian roads safer for all users.
