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In Recent Days, Irregular Trucks Above Limit Have Been Caught in Serra do Rio do Rastro, Blocking Steep Curves, Increasing the Risk of Brake Failure, Causing Blockages, and Forcing Alternative Routes Under Intensified Oversight.
In recent days, irregular trucks exceeding allowed dimensions have been caught on the ascent and descent of Serra do Rio do Rastro, in Santa Catarina, crossing SC-390 between Lauro Müller and Bom Jardim da Serra despite the ban. Images of trucks blocking curves and requiring temporary closures were repeated this week, with one case where the mountain was blocked for about an hour after the vehicle realized, still on the first curve, that it could not safely proceed downhill.
The recurrence of these episodes occurs even with prominent signage at the entrance of the mountain, detailing limits on length, gross weight, and circulation times. The combination of heavy trucks, tight curves, and steep sections increases the risk of brake failure, serious accidents, and long blockages for all road users, which prompted the Highway Military Police to reinforce enforcement, impose fines, and ask that cargo drivers seek alternative routes.
Serra do Rio do Rastro Imposes Strict Limits for Trucks
Serra do Rio do Rastro is one of the main postcards of Santa Catarina and a mountain stretch known for its sequence of tight curves and steep inclines.
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To reduce the risks posed by trucks, clear limits have been set for the circulation of cargo vehicles on SC-390.
During the week, the maximum allowed length for trucks is 14 meters and the gross weight is limited to 23 tons, precisely to prevent very long or heavy vehicles from blocking curves or overloading the structure of the mountain.
On Saturdays and Sundays, the restriction is even stricter: between 8 AM and 6 PM, these vehicles are not allowed to travel this stretch, being permitted only after this time.
Even with the rules in place, trucks exceeding allowed dimensions continue to try to conquer the mountain, especially during off-peak hours, in an attempt to shorten the route between municipalities in the region.
Every violation of these rules represents a direct increase in the risk of accidents, mechanical failures, and long blockages for residents, tourists, and other drivers.
Irregular Trucks Block Curves and Cause Closures
In the most recent captures, cameras and reporting teams recorded trucks above the limit attempting to cross Serra do Rio do Rastro.
In one of the cases this week, the vehicle managed to descend only to the first curve and had to stop upon realizing it could not proceed, at risk of losing its brakes on the steepest sections.
From that point on, all operations on the mountain had to be interrupted. The Highway Military Police closed the highway for approximately one hour while arrangements were made for a tow truck to remove the truck from the site.
In addition to the infraction committed by the driver, there were immediate repercussions for other users: long queues, delays, and frustration for those relying on SC-390 to work or travel between cities.
Such cases illustrate how trucks not conforming to established standards can literally block the curves of the mountain, as many of these vehicles cannot complete maneuvers on narrow stretches with steep declines.
One single truck above the limit can bring all of Serra do Rio do Rastro to a standstill for long minutes or hours, whether on the ascent or the descent.
Risk of Brake Failure and Mechanical Failures Concerns Authorities
The main concern of authorities is not just with congestion, but with safety.
The combination of heavy trucks, steep ramps, and sequential curves significantly increases the chance of brake system overheating, mechanical failures, and loss of vehicle control on prolonged descents.
According to the Highway Military Police, heavier trucks can get stuck on critical stretches, lose their brakes, and become a direct threat to all other drivers, especially at points where there is no escape area and space for maneuvering is limited.
The risk of collision, flipping, or falling off cliffs makes any irregularity even more serious in this type of terrain.
Therefore, the recommendation is clear: trucks exceeding length and weight limits should not, under any circumstances, attempt to cross Serra do Rio do Rastro.
In addition to putting lives at risk, the driver is still liable for traffic violations and may incur additional costs for vehicle removal, material damages, and impact on the cargo itself.
Police Reinforces Fines and Requests Alternative Routes for Trucks
In light of the repetition of violations, the Highway Military Police has intensified oversight at the entrance to the mountain.
Teams monitor the flow of trucks, check dimensions, gross weight, and compliance with time restrictions, both on weekdays and on weekends.
When trucks above the limit insist on proceeding, drivers are fined, receive penalties, and may be required to turn back or wait for appropriate removal, depending on the situation and safety conditions.
In cases where the vehicle has already accessed the critical stretch and blocked the road, the priority becomes removing the truck from the site and restoring traffic, which inevitably leads to long blockages for everyone.
The constant advice from the police is for transporters to better plan their routes, avoiding Serra do Rio do Rastro when the truck does not fit within the allowed dimensions.
Seeking alternative routes and adhering to signage is seen as the safest way to preserve lives, reduce risks, and avoid losses due to fines, towing, and delays.
Enhanced Signage, but Disregarded by Some Drivers
At the entrance of the mountain, signs draw attention to limits on length and weight, as well as informing specific restrictions for trucks on weekends, from 8 AM to 6 PM.
There is clear indication regarding the prohibition of trailers and large vehicles during certain times and conditions.
Even so, it is still common to see trucks ignoring the signs and starting the descent or ascent of Serra do Rio do Rastro, trusting in the driver’s skill or the vehicle’s ability to complete the route.
In practice, this individual choice imposes a collective cost, especially when the highway needs to be completely closed for maneuvers and removal.
For residents of the region and visitors, there is a feeling that some truck drivers underestimate the severity of the curves and the incline.
Authorities reiterate that the signage was installed precisely to avoid the inconvenience and risk that these episodes recent events have exposed, with trucks blocked, closures, and long traffic jams.
In light of all this, in your opinion, should trucks above the limit face even harsher penalties when they disrespect Serra do Rio do Rastro and cause blockages for all drivers?
Na verdade os motoristas que tentam fazer o trajeto da serra do querem se aparecer eu conheço muito bem o transporte trabalhei muitos nesta área.a Serra não é lugar de caminhão que não é permitido rodar .mas tem sempre alguns motoristas fazendo gracinha.
Neste país, onde quase todo nosso transporte de mercadorias, aliás tudo se baseia em caminhões, os mesmos ficam cada vez maiores e mais ousados. Nossa frota está envelhecida. Os caminhoneiros não tem incentivos governamentais para troca de caminhões…provocam os piores acidentes e nada acontece.
TREM, pelo amor de Deus e leis mais duras….perda de CNH e punição para o dono da transportadora que os obrigar a fazer esse tipo de manobra, como utilizar a Serra S.J. do Rastro e outra Serras super perigosas para cortar caminho.
Só não precisava de uma foto da China potencializada por IA na capa da reportagem. 😂
Mas não é na china e nem IA, é a serra do rio do rastros SC
Pelo jeito vc não conhece a serra do rio do rastro né?