No Pulpit, No Peddling: Senate Slaps ₦50,000 Fine on Bus Preachers, Hawkers
The Senate just dropped the hammer on nuisance passengers and drivers better watch out.
In a sweeping amendment to the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) Act passed Thursday, lawmakers have banned preaching, hawking, and trading inside commercial vehicles, with convicted offenders facing a ₦50,000 fine.
But that’s just the appetizer.
Drunk drivers now risk ₦100,000 fines and two years in prison—a staggering 1,900% hike from the old ₦5,000 penalty. Running a red light, speeding, or reckless driving? That’ll cost you ₦100,000 too, with possible jail time.
The bill, now awaiting President Tinubu’s signature, introduces 52 traffic offences with sharply increased penalties aimed at slashing Nigeria’s grim road crash statistics.
Key takeaways:
· Hawkers & preachers in buses: ₦50,000 fine
· Drunk driving: ₦100,000 + 2 years imprisonment
· Traffic light violations: ₦100,000
· Speeding: ₦100,000
· Refusing breathalyzer tests: ₦50,000 + 6 months jail
Senate sources say the reforms are long overdue to strengthen FRSC enforcement and protect commuters from deadly distractions and reckless drivers.
Critics worry about enforcement loopholes. But one thing’s clear the era of cheap fines on Nigerian roads is officially over.
