FRSC To Introduce N50,000 Fine For Traffic Light Violators In 2020

The Corps Marshal of Federal Road Safety Corps, FRSC, Dr Boboye
Oyeyemi has said that traffic light violations by motorists will
attract a fine of N50,000 beginning from next year, lamenting that
the offence was taking a worrisome dimension.

Dr. Oyeyemi, who disclosed this while speaking at the first
‘ember month stakeholders forum’ organised by the FRSC in
collaboration with the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection
Commission, in Abuja, said he had proposed to the Joint Tax Board
that the traffic light violation fine should be increased from
N4,000 to N50,000 to deter erring motorists.

The Corps Marshal vowed that his men would continue to arrest
and sanction motorists using phones while driving.

He explained that drivers were free to use google map but said
the phone should be placed on the dashboard with both hands on the
steering wheel.

According to him, “You can’t hold the phone with one hand and
drive with the other while using google map. That is distracted
driving and the law is clear on that. When you stop people for
traffic violations, their lawyers would write to you and threaten
to sue.

“FRSC has 120 lawyers and I would recruit more next year; The
level of violent reactions in this country is alarming.”

“We have noticed the rising incidents of traffic light
violations and so, we are going to increase the minimum fine to
N50,000 from N4,000. Offenders would also undergo an emotional
psychological test at the hospital to determine if you are fit to
drive.”

Oyeyemi, condemned in strong term a situation where people would
veer their anger on officers of the FRSC and personnel of other
paramilitary agencies and violently attacked them.

In his remarks, Chief Executive Officer, FCCPC, Babatunde
Irukera, said his agency would ensure that fleet owners in the
country took passenger insurance to better protect their customers
during trips.

Irukera also revealed that the commission would also roll out a
policy on ageing vehicles owned by fleet firms, noting that”
prioritising protection of people will not be negotiated.”

According to him, “We succeeded in putting outpatients bill of
rights last year; we will insist that the vehicles be in good
condition and operate in a good and safe manner”.