FRSC: Senate Approves Bill Proposing ₦100,000 Fine For Traffic Offences

The Senate, on Thursday, passed an amendment bill seeking to strengthen the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) Act by introducing tougher penalties for a wide range of traffic offences aimed at improving road safety and enforcing compliance with traffic regulations across the country.

CityMirrorNews reports that a key provision of the proposed legislation recommends a ₦100,000 fine for motorists who violate traffic lights, ignore road signs, deface road markings or fail to comply with other recognised traffic control devices.

The bill also proposes a ₦50,000 fine for anyone found hawking, trading or preaching inside commercial vehicles.

In a move to curb impaired driving, the amendment prescribed stiffer sanctions for motorists found driving under the influence of alcohol or intoxicating substances.

Offenders could face a ₦100,000 fine, a prison term of up to two years, or both, replacing the current ₦5,000 penalty contained in the existing law.

The legislation further provides sanctions for motorists who refuse to cooperate with FRSC officials during roadside breath tests conducted on reasonable suspicion of intoxication. Such offenders would be liable to a ₦50,000 fine, six months’ imprisonment, or both.

Under the proposed amendment, speeding offences would attract a ₦100,000 fine, while reckless or dangerous driving could be punished with a ₦100,000 fine, a jail term of up to two years, or both, depending on the circumstances surrounding the offence.

Lawmakers said the amendment is intended to modernise the FRSC Act, strengthen the enforcement powers of the road safety agency and encourage greater compliance with traffic laws in order to reduce road crashes and improve safety on Nigerian roads.

The bill is yet to become law, as it still requires presidential assent before the proposed penalties and other provisions can take effect nationwide.