FEMI OWOEYE
Motorists who ignore traffic lights, exceed speed limits or drive under the influence of alcohol may soon face a hefty ₦100,000 fine under a new amendment to the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) Act passed by the Senate.
The proposed legislation, aimed at tightening road safety enforcement across the country, significantly raises penalties for several traffic offences.
Under the bill, motorists who disobey traffic lights, road signs, road markings or other traffic control devices would be liable to a ₦100,000 fine.
The Senate also approved stiffer sanctions for drunk driving, with offenders facing a ₦100,000 fine, up to two years’ imprisonment, or both, replacing the current ₦5,000 penalty in the existing law.
Speeding is also targeted, attracting a ₦100,000 fine, while reckless and dangerous driving could earn offenders the same fine, a jail term of up to two years, or both.
In a move that extends beyond drivers, the amendment proposes a ₦50,000 fine for anyone caught hawking, trading or preaching inside commercial buses.
Lawmakers said the amendment is intended to modernise the FRSC Act, strengthen enforcement powers and improve compliance with traffic laws in order to reduce crashes on Nigerian roads.
The proposed penalties are not yet enforceable, as the bill must still receive presidential assent before it becomes
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