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Think fines are expensive? A driver was fined approximately €270.000 (R$1,6 million) for exceeding the speed limit by 57 km/h. Discover the countries with the highest penalties!
In traffic, respecting the law is essential to ensure safety and order. However, in many countries, failure to comply with these rules can result in very high fines, which vary according to local legislation and, in some cases, even the driver's income. offender.
In nations like Finland and Switzerland, this approach aims to ensure proportionality, making penalties fairer and more effective.
Traffic fines around the world
How countries set their fines can vary dramatically. While some nations impose fixed amounts, others use a progressive system based on the driver's income.
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The main objective of these policies is to ensure that punishment is a genuine disincentive to reckless behavior, regardless of the offender's financial status.
Furthermore, many of these high fines are justified by the commitment to reducing accidents and increasing road safety.
Finland
A Finland is one of the strictest countries when it comes to traffic fines. Its system is based on the driver's income and the severity of the offense.
In an emblematic case from 2023, a businessman was fined an impressive €121.000 (around R$620.000 at the current exchange rate) for speeding.
Since the fine is calculated based on the offender's disposable income, drivers with high salaries can be penalized with astronomical amounts.
This measure aims to ensure that fines have a real impact, regardless of the offender's purchasing power.
The Finnish government reinforces that this approach has been essential in reducing recidivism rates.
Switzerland
Following a similar approach, Switzerland also imposes income-related traffic fines. In 2010, a driver was fined approximately €270.000 (about $1,6 at today’s exchange rate) for driving at 137 km/h on a road with an 80 km/h speed limit.
Penalties can be extremely severe, especially for repeat offenders, and are one of the most effective ways to discourage dangerous driving behavior.
One difference in the Swiss system is the possibility of prison sentences in cases of very serious infractions, such as speeding in residential areas.
Norway
Norway is known for its strict traffic laws. The country imposes high penalties for offenses such as speeding and driving under the influence of alcohol.
Fines may exceed €800 (approximately BRL 4.400) for those who exceed the speed limit, and even harsher penalties are applied for repeat offenders.
Furthermore, in serious cases, drivers may lose their license for long periods, reinforcing the country's commitment to road safety.
Another important factor is that Norway continually invests in electronic monitoring, making violations more easily detectable.
Sweden and Iceland
Other Scandinavian countries, such as Sweden and Iceland, also apply fines proportional to the driver's income.
The main objective of this approach is to prevent people with greater purchasing power from feeling immune to penalties, creating a more equitable and effective system.
Therefore, regardless of the offender's financial situation, the fine is felt significantly, reinforcing the importance of complying with the rules.
In addition to fines, these countries adopt re-education programs for offending drivers, aiming to change their behavior in the long term.
Impact and effectiveness of fines
The implementation of fines proportional to income has been effective in reducing serious infractions.
Studies show that this model increases the perception of risk among drivers of all social classes, making traffic safer.
Furthermore, the application of severe penalties directly contributes to the reduction of fatal accidents. A survey by the European Transport Safety Council found that countries with stricter fines tend to have lower rates of accidents related to excessive speed.
In Finland, for example, the road traffic fatality rate is approximately 3,5 deaths per 100.000 inhabitants, one of the lowest in Europe.
In contrast, countries where fines are relatively low, such as the United States, have higher rates.
Another relevant factor is that the allocation of funds collected from fines in many European countries is directed towards traffic safety programs and improvements in road infrastructure.
This means that the money raised is not just used as punishment, but as a means to make the streets safer.
How it works in Brazil
In Brazil, traffic fines follow a fixed model, varying according to the infraction, but without taking into account the driver's income.
This system may be ineffective in discouraging high-income drivers, who can pay the penalties without feeling a significant impact on their finances.
As a result, some drivers end up reoffending, as the fine is not a real deterrent to their reckless behavior.
Adopting a progressive model could make penalties fairer and more efficient, ensuring that all drivers respect traffic laws more equally.
Furthermore, measures such as increased monitoring and educational campaigns could further strengthen road safety.
Brazil could also invest more in transparency regarding the allocation of funds collected from fines, ensuring that these resources are applied directly to traffic safety.
With information from El Pais.
