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New rule approved by the Senate requires toxicology exam to obtain or renew a driver's license; measure includes app drivers and promises to finance driver's licenses for low-income people with traffic fines.
Getting or renewing your driver's license could become even more demanding. The Federal Senate has approved a bill that makes toxicology testing mandatory for all drivers, whether they are professionals or not. Want to know how this could impact you?
What changes with the approval of the toxicological examination for the driver's license?
Now, the toxicology exam becomes a requirement both for those who are getting their driver's license for the first time and for those renewing it. This requirement applies to all driving categories, without exception. Yes, even app drivers are subject to this rule.
The senators argue that the measure seeks to improve traffic safety, especially by combating driving under the influence of psychoactive substances. In the case of app drivers, the responsibility for paying for the test will fall on the drivers themselves, since there is no employment relationship with the platforms.
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But who pays for it? That’s the big question. For many, the additional cost can be a barrier, especially for those who are already struggling financially. On the other hand, there is good news: the bill also provides that money raised from traffic fines will be used to finance driver’s licenses for low-income people.
This initiative aims to reduce the economic impact of the license, which can exceed R$2.500 in some states. After all, who has never heard someone complain that getting a driver's license has become an unaffordable luxury? This change can help turn this distant dream into reality.
Legislators' arguments
Supporters of the project highlight the importance of democratizing access to a driver's license, a document that goes beyond allowing people to drive. For many, it is the gateway to employment opportunities, especially in areas such as transportation and deliveries.
The toxicology test aims to improve traffic safety by removing drivers who may pose risks due to the use of prohibited substances. According to Senator Carlos Portinho, the measure is another step towards ensuring more responsible and less dangerous traffic.
Other changes to the bill
The project doesn't stop there. Other important changes have been included, such as the possibility of transferring vehicles entirely electronically. This promises to speed up processes that previously depended on a lot of bureaucracy.
Another interesting change was the increase in the minimum score for a driver's license suspension, which goes from 40 to 50 points, except in cases of serious infractions. This flexibility may bring relief to drivers who accumulate points, but do not commit high-risk infractions.
Before it can come into effect, the bill still needs to be approved by the Chamber of Deputies. Therefore, there is still a long way to go, but expectations are that the measure will be well received by parliamentarians.
If approved, the new law could transform the process of obtaining and renewing a driver's license, making it more rigorous and, at the same time, more inclusive for low-income people.
The approval of this project by the Senate promises to bring significant changes for those who need to obtain or renew their driver's license. Although the toxicology test may be seen as an additional cost, financing driver's licenses for low-income individuals balances the scales, democratizing access to the document.
I agree that all drivers should undergo toxicology tests. Traffic is very violent.