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Imagine the scene: you are stopped at a traffic light, a spectacular sunset appears and you think “why not capture this view?” Well, that’s exactly what motorcyclist Leandro Relli thought in Vila Velha, Espírito Santo. But, when he captured the moment, he also ended up capturing an unpleasant surprise: a ticket for taking a photo at a traffic light. That’s right! Leandro’s case brought to light a national discussion about the limits and interpretations of traffic laws in Brazil.
Leandro, who takes landscape photos every day, was surprised when he received a traffic ticket. The fine, worth R$293,47, stated that the simple act of using a cell phone while waiting for a green light constituted a very serious offense. Unbeknownst to him, the motorcyclist found himself at the center of a controversy: after all, is it allowed or not to use a cell phone at a traffic light? This specific case raised questions about traffic laws in Brazil and whether the current code reflects the daily behavior of drivers.
What does the traffic law say in Brazil?
Traffic laws in Brazil are very clear when it comes to the use of electronic devices while driving. According to the Brazilian Traffic Code (CTB), article 252 prohibits the use of cell phones while driving, considering the practice a very serious offense, with fines and points on the license. This includes handling the cell phone while the vehicle is temporarily stopped at a traffic light. The authorities' understanding is that the driver's focus must remain on the traffic at all times, even on short stops.
In Leandro's case, the fine for taking a photo at a traffic light followed exactly this interpretation. Although he was stopped, his use of the cell phone was interpreted as a distraction. Experts explain that distraction at the wheel, even when stopping for a moment, can contribute to accidents, since the driver may be late when noticing movement around him, whether it be pedestrians or other vehicles.
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Why is using a cell phone while driving considered dangerous?
Research shows that using a cell phone while driving significantly increases the risk of accidents. This action, which many drivers may find harmless, is seen by traffic authorities as a real danger and directly contravenes traffic laws in Brazil. After all, by diverting attention from the steering wheel to the cell phone, the driver's reaction time is reduced, which can be fatal in unexpected situations.
Studies show that distracted driving increases the chances of collisions and run-overs, a concern that is even more relevant in large urban centers. In São Paulo, for example, the State Department of Traffic (Detran-SP) has already registered more than 167 thousand fines for using a cell phone while driving between January and August 2024. These numbers reflect the constant increase in this practice and the need for stricter monitoring.
Inspection: increasingly strict?
With the increase in traffic monitoring technology, the future of traffic enforcement is set to become even more rigorous. Smart camera systems, radars and speed monitoring have evolved to capture, with increasing precision, the use of cell phones while driving. In places like São Paulo, where the flow of vehicles is heavy, traffic enforcement also relies on awareness campaigns and signage to educate drivers about the risks.
However, the fine for taking a photo at a traffic light raises a question: to what extent are traffic laws in Brazil in line with the current reality? Leandro Relli's case illustrates an everyday situation that generates disagreements, especially among drivers who believe that stopping at traffic lights is a safe time to use a cell phone.
Path to safer traffic
In light of all this, traffic laws in Brazil continue to play a crucial role in road safety, even if they sometimes seem too harsh. Leandro’s example raises an alarm about the importance of remaining vigilant about the rules and, at the same time, rethinking ways to raise awareness and educate drivers about the risks.
Following the rules and avoiding the use of cell phones while driving is, without a doubt, a way to contribute to safer and more humane traffic. Cases like this reveal that, to maintain safety, it is essential to understand the limits of technology in driving – after all, the scenery can wait, but traffic safety cannot.
