Over 30,000 serious traffic violations in Rio Grande do Sul have expired, allowing offenders to avoid penalties, as the Federal Public Ministry investigates the lack of enforcement.
In Rio Grande do Sul, over 35,000 serious traffic violations recorded between May 2021 and 2022, such as driving under the influence, street racing, and failing to provide assistance, have reportedly expired without consequence for the offenders. These offenses warrant a suspension of the driver’s license (CNH) for up to a year according to Brazilian traffic law. However, none of the violators have faced this penalty, leading to over 30,000 cases becoming unenforceable due to expiration, raising concerns about law enforcement efficacy.
The Brazilian National Department of Transit noted that a legislative change regarding the enforcement of these penalties effectively took place starting January 2024, granting authorities a timeline for necessary adjustments to ensure compliance. This period has sparked scrutiny regarding how these offenses were previously managed and the failure to apply the appropriate sanctions against violators.
The situation has drawn the attention of the Federal Public Ministry (MPF), which is now investigating the matter to understand the reasons behind the lack of enforcement actions which have allowed these serious violations to go unpunished. The investigation highlights significant issues surrounding traffic regulations and their application in Brazil, particularly in a region affected by high rates of dangerous driving behaviors, potentially putting public safety at risk.
