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Drivers face a new challenge with the free flow toll. Forgetting to pay can result in serious fines and points on your driver's license, while defaulting on payments is a concern for dealerships.
On the highways of the state of São Paulo, a new electronic toll collection system has caused headaches for drivers who forget to pay the Toll.
The novelty, known as toll free flow, allows vehicles to pass without barriers, but requires attention to paying the fare after crossing.
The problem? Many drivers are simply ignoring payment, which, according to recent estimates, has led to a rising rate of default and the issuing of hefty fines to offenders.
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In one month of operation, thousands of drivers stopped paying, bringing new discussions about the effectiveness and challenges of this model.
According to data from the EcoNoroeste, concessionaire that manages the toll at km 179 of the SP-333 highway (Laurentino Mascari highway), in Itápolis, around 12 thousand evasions were recorded only in the first month of free flow operation.
This number represents 8,4% of total traffic of approximately 143 thousand vehicles that passed through the stretch between September 4 and October 4, 2024.
The financial impact is also significant: the dealership observed a 7% reduction in revenue, a direct result of non-payment of fees.
O jornal Folha de São Paulo points out that this innovative model has brought new challenges to the toll sector, exposing gaps in public awareness.
The free flow system and how it works
The free flow system, implemented in the section managed by EcoNoroeste, replaces the traditional toll plazas with electronic gantries with cameras, which identify vehicle license plates and record their passage without the need for stops.
This model simplifies billing, but brings new habits for drivers, who need to adapt to paying in up to 30 days after the crossing, if they do not have electronic tags.
For drivers with valid tags, the charge occurs automatically, through the toll operator associated with the tag.
Those without the device must make the payment manually, which includes several options: websites, applications, or, in some cases, physical payment points.
According to the regulations of the National Traffic Council (Contran), as of October 14, the deadline for paying the fee was extended from 15 to 30 days, a measure that aims to reduce default rates and facilitate compliance with the rule.
Fine and points on the driver's license
Failure to pay the fare within the regulated period will result in serious penalties for the driver.
As highlighted by Folha de São Paulo, offenders receive a serious fine in the amount of R$195,23 and have added 5 points on the National Driving License (CNH).
This model, inspired by international examples, is still being adapted to the Brazilian reality, where awareness about payment is a challenge.
In addition to the portal in Itápolis, the EcoNoroeste concessionaire started a similar operation in the city of Jaboticabal, where drivers can also count on a 5% discount for using tags.
In addition, there is a progressive reduction in the fare according to the number of trips made by the same vehicle during the month.
Comparisons with other states
The dropout rate observed in the São Paulo system is slightly higher than the national average, according to data from National Land Transport Agency (ANTT).
In June 2024, the percentage of default on federal highways that operate with free flow, such as BR 101 on the Rio-Santos stretch, it was 6,1%.
This number is lower than that observed on SP-333, but follows the trend of initial default of the new toll models.
Folha de São Paulo also mentions the recent implementation of the system in Minas Gerais, where the concessionaire EPR Sul de Minas registered a default of only 2,9% at the portico located on the highway MG-459, between the cities of Ouro Fino and Monte Sião.
Although this rate is considerably lower, experts point out that the difference is related to the profile of the highways and the degree of exposure of drivers to the new system.
Expectations and future perspectives
For Luiz Roberto Tavares, user service manager at EcoNoroeste, the default rate of 8,4% is within initial expectations.
He believes that, over time, driver awareness will help to further reduce the rates.
According to him, “the arrival of fines will contribute to increasing drivers’ awareness and reducing defaults.”
The governor Tarcisio de Freitas (Republicans) has already announced that it intends to implement the free flow toll system on all state highways in São Paulo, aiming to expand the model's coverage across the state.
Furthermore, the Ministry of Transport bet that dealerships traditional toll will migrate to free flow, taking advantage of the simplicity of electronic structures, which require less investment in infrastructure and are cheaper to maintain.
The future of tolls in Brazil
With new toll plazas scheduled for installation in Caraguatatuba e San Sebastian, on the northern coast of São Paulo, starting on November 17th, the free flow model gains more strength in São Paulo.
With no discounts planned, this expansion should solidify the model in the state and pave the way for adoption on other Brazilian highways.
This change in the way payments are charged directly impacts drivers’ daily lives and raises the discussion about the effectiveness of the model in combating defaulting.
Now, it remains to be seen whether the innovation will bring significant benefits or whether drivers will continue to struggle to comply with the new payment requirements.
Do you believe that the free flow model really represents the future of tolls in Brazil? Comment below!
I think it is a more efficient way to collect more money from drivers, who are already cheated by so many means, like pranks, to fall into traps of being fined, that is, fine traps. I am from outside, living in the northeast, and I went by car to São Paulo, and I received fines without knowing why. Now I understand that I must have fallen into this trap, because at all the toll booths I crossed, I paid the toll. I only didn't pay when I wasn't stopped on the way, and I wasn't aware of this type of payment, so they fined me without me being there.