Feb 9 • 19:43 UTC 🇧🇷 Brazil Folha (PT)

Court overturns fine imposed by the SP City Hall against Uber motorcycle taxis

A Brazilian court annulled a fine imposed by the São Paulo City Hall on Uber for transporting passengers by motorcycle, citing the fine's basis in a constitutionally questionable municipal decree.

A São Paulo court has suspended a R$ 500,000 fine imposed on Uber by the City Hall related to its motorcycle passenger transport service. Judge Antonio Augusto Galvão de França determined that the fine was based on a municipal decree that the São Paulo Court of Justice had previously declared unconstitutional. This ruling marks a significant victory for Uber in its ongoing conflict with Mayor Ricardo Nunes, who has attempted to restrict Uber's motorcycle services through local regulations since 2023.

The dispute began when Mayor Nunes sought to impose limitations on Uber's services, leading to the issuance of the fine. However, a ruling in September 2025 from the Special Body of the São Paulo Court of Justice deemed the municipal decree unconstitutional, emphasizing that only federal law holds the authority to regulate such transport services. In response to the court’s decision, the mayor sanctioned a new law in December 2025 to adequately regulate Uber's motorcycle taxi services, ensuring compliance and operation within legal parameters.

This case highlights the ongoing tension between local authorities and ride-sharing services like Uber, as well as underscores the importance of adherence to constitutional law in the regulation of emerging transportation models. The decision not only impacts Uber, but also sets a precedent for how local governments can legislate under federal jurisdiction, potentially influencing future policies regarding transportation services across Brazil.

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