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Increased Attention at Crosswalks: Drivers Can Be Fined up to R$ 423.63 for Disregarding Pedestrian Right of Way.
Ignoring the right of way for pedestrians at crosswalks can be costly for drivers. Violations for this reason have become increasingly frequent in Brazilian cities, revealing both the need to reinforce education in traffic and the lack of knowledge of the law among many drivers.
In Goiânia, for example, fines issued for this type of violation grew by 300% in 2023, according to a survey by the Goiás government.
In addition to incurring penalties, such as fines and points on the driver’s license, disregarding the crosswalk also puts lives at risk.
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When, Exactly, Should You Stop at the Crosswalk?
Even with clear rules in the Brazilian Traffic Code (CTB), everyday situations still generate doubts.
According to article 183 of the CTB, failing to give way to pedestrians at the crosswalk constitutes a medium violation, with a fine of R$ 130.16 and four points on the National Driver’s License (CNH).
This includes cases where the pedestrian is about to cross or has not yet finished crossing, even if the traffic light is green for vehicles.
However, if the driver stops on the crosswalk while pedestrians are still crossing, they can be fined for the previous violation and for another more serious violation, as provided in article 214: disrespecting the pedestrian in crossing, which constitutes a serious violation, with a fine of R$ 293.47 and seven points on the CNH.
Green Light Does Not Nullify Pedestrian Rights
One of the most misunderstood points by drivers is crossing at intersections with traffic lights.
Most understand that a green light allows passage, but article 70 of the CTB states that if a pedestrian is already on the crosswalk, even with the light green for cars, the driver must wait for the completion of the crossing.
At intersections without traffic light signaling, the obligation to stop is even clearer: upon noticing a pedestrian crossing or intending to cross, the driver must stop before the crosswalk.
Moving forward to see traffic better is only permitted if there are no pedestrians in the crossing area.
Congestion at the Crosswalk: Violation or Not?
Another common situation pertains to traffic jams.
Stopping on the crosswalk due to congestion is not necessarily a violation — as long as the traffic light is green for vehicles.
Still, experts recommend increased attention to avoid dangerous situations or misinterpretations by traffic agents.
New Bill Toughens Rules and Penalties
In light of the increase in pedestrian accidents, House Bill 3330/24 is being processed in the Chamber of Deputies, proposing to make it a serious violation to stop on the crosswalk even with the traffic light green for cars.
The measure foresees a fine of R$ 293.47 and is named the “Laura Beatriz Law”.
The proposal was motivated by the tragic death of five-year-old Laura Beatriz, who was hit by a vehicle in August 2024 while crossing with her mother in the Glória neighborhood of Vila Velha (ES).
“Recently, the nation learned of the death of five-year-old Laura Beatriz, struck while crossing at the crosswalk in the Glória neighborhood of Vila Velha, in Greater Vitória, on the night of August 21. The child was in her mother’s arms when they were both hit by the driver,” stated federal deputy Rogéria Santos (REPUBLIC/BA), author of the bill.
With the rise in fines and the alarming number of accidents, experts point out that only a combination of educational campaigns and increased enforcement can guarantee more safety at crosswalks.
Well-informed drivers who are aware of their role in traffic are an essential part of reducing accidents and saving lives.
And you? Did you know that even with a green light, pedestrians may have the right of way?
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