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New law severely punishes tampering with vehicle license plates with up to six years in prison. The regulation was created to curb crime and strengthen road safety, but raises questions about its consequences for ordinary drivers.
A drastic change in traffic rules still raises many questions for unsuspecting drivers.
This is because many have not yet realized the seriousness of Law 14.562 / 23, which came into force with tougher punishments for those who cheat or falsify vehicle plates.
You may be more vulnerable to these penalties than you think. Want to know how to avoid a problem that could cost you your freedom?
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A Law 14.562 / 23 introduced significant changes to the Penal Code, especially in relation to vehicle identification plates.
Drivers caught tampering with license plates, or any other vehicle identification sign, now face imprisonment of three to six years.
The authorities, however, are not limited to just the conductors.
The new legislation extends the punishment to anyone who purchases, receives, transports or even uses vehicles with altered signs.
The severity of the infractions
According to lawyer Marco Fabrício Vieira, member of the Thematic Chamber of Legal Effort of the National Traffic Council (Contran), the act of driving without a license plate continues to be a very serious infraction, even after the arrival of the Mercosul plate, which replaced the old plates with seals.
This results in a fine de R$293,47 and the removal of the vehicle, in addition to the seven points on the National Driver's License (CNH).
However, the simple fact of driving without a license plate is not considered a crime.
The real problem arises for those who, according to the Article 311 of the Penal Code, alter or suppress the characters on the plate.
Even actions that seem harmless, such as using electrical tape or white correction fluid to modify identification, are covered by the new legislation and can lead the offender to prison.
Impact of the new law on combating theft and fraud crimes
With the arrival of this law, Brazil seeks strengthen the fight against cargo theft and other crimes involving vehicle tampering.
One of the main changes brought about by Law 14.562 / 23 was the inclusion of trailers and semi-trailers as vehicles subject to punishment for tampering with license plates, something that was not previously provided for in the Penal Code.
This modification makes tracking and punishing criminals involved in merchandise theft more effective.
According to experts, the tampering with vehicle plates and signals has been a common trick among criminals to hide stolen vehicles and facilitate the circulation of illegal cargo.
Who can be held liable for vehicle fraud?
Punishments now cover a wider range of actions.
The new law is not restricted to drivers who are caught directly tampering with the license plate.
Anyone who acquires, transports, conceals or keeps any object intended for the falsification or adulteration of vehicles may also be held criminally responsible.
The Penal Code now provides imprisonment of three to six years for these offenders.
Furthermore, the practice of adulteration involving commercial or industrial activities further aggravates the penalty.
If the adulteration is related to the business environment, the punishment is extended to four to eight yearsMore fine.
In other words, companies that facilitate or participate in this type of crime will also be severely punished.
Implications for public servants
Public officials are not exempt from liability.
The law also seeks to increase the punishment for civil servants who knowingly collaborate with the licensing or registration of adulterated vehicles.
In this case, the penalty may be increased by up to one third, as provides for the Penal Code.
This measure seeks to discourage internal corruption in transit agencies and reinforce oversight.
How drivers can avoid complications
Despite the more severe penalties, driving without a license plate due to losses caused by accidents or fortuitous situations, such as floods, is not considered a crime.
In this scenario, the driver must arrange for regularization as soon as possible to avoid fines and removal of the vehicle.
However, tampering with plates or any other identifying signs remains a risky choice, with serious consequences.
On the other hand, removing the plate with malicious intent, such as in attempts to evade speed cameras, or tampering with it using homemade products can lead to arrest, especially if the act is caught by the authorities.
The new legislation aims to curb precisely these practices, expanding the scope of punishments for various fraudulent actions.
Harsher consequences for those who forge license plates
Now, anyone involved in the falsification or tampering of identifying marks, from the buyer to the carrier, could be punished.
The new law further toughens sanctions, reinforcing the need for attention on the part of everyone involved in the purchase, sale and transportation of vehicles.
This rigor seeks discourage the practice of cargo theft and vehicle tampering, creating a safer environment for drivers and for the legal trade of vehicles.
The question remains: Did you know that simply modifying a license plate could lead to arrest? Is the new law fair or too strict?
I think all these measures are exemplary for Brazilians who want to do well. My suggestion is that the same strictness, or perhaps more serious measures, should be applied to drunk drivers. I believe that this is more common than dangerous overtaking. Congratulations on the implementation.