A 27-year-old driver from São José do Rio Preto, Brazil, was fined R$ 8,000 and sentenced to four years of community service for removing and altering license plates to evade R$ 49 in toll fees.
The legal case centers around a 27-year-old resident of São José do Rio Preto, who was found guilty of removing the rear license plate from his vehicle and altering the front plate to evade paying tolls. This incident occurred in April 2024 when he attempted to pass through tolls on the Washington Luís Highway without paying the required fees. The actions were captured by toll cameras, leading to his arrest and trial.
Judge Luciana Zamperlini issued a ruling on January 15, 2024, ordering the driver to pay a fine of R$ 8,000, a penalty substantially greater than the original amount he sought to evade—R$ 49. This ruling also mandates that he perform four years of community service, highlighting the judiciary's stance against such fraudulent behavior in relation to public tolls.
This case emphasizes the legal system's efforts to deter toll evasion and uphold regulations governing road use. By imposing a significant fine, the court aims to send a message to others about the consequences of trying to bypass legal toll charges, thereby reinforcing the need for accountability among road users in Brazil.
