The PRF is using advanced technology to fine drivers on federal highways, with fines reaching R$293,47. Find out how this technology works and what to avoid to avoid being penalized!
The new radars, which can fine drivers up to 100 meters away, are already changing the way we monitor traffic. Brazilian highways. In recent months, the Federal Highway Police (PRF) has been using drones to monitor and penalize infractions.
New technology can identify drivers who use the cellphone when driving, they do not use seat belts or perform illegal overtaking, bringing more rigor and precision to inspection on the roads.
The Federal Highway Police (PRF) of Minas Gerais recently shared on its Instagram account a video showing inspections on BR-262 carried out using a drone.
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These drones, deployed at the end of August, are already operating in Minas Gerais and Santa Catarina, providing what the PRF describes as a “more effective and discreet aerial surveillance”.
Where are PRF drones operating?
In Minas Gerais, drones are operating on BR-262, especially in the Araxá section, in the Triângulo Mineiro region. In Santa Catarina, the technology has been implemented on BR-282, known as Via Expressa, and on BR-101, in areas of the metropolitan region of Florianópolis, including cities such as São José and Palhoça. These highways are strategic points due to the heavy flow of vehicles and the high rate of infractions.
The drones are equipped with cameras that have a zoom of up to seven times, allowing a detailed view of the infractions at altitudes between 10 and 20 meters.
This strategic height allows police officers to monitor more broadly and accurately, without drivers noticing the presence of drones, which reduces the chance of inappropriate behavior being corrected simply by seeing the vehicle.
What infractions are targeted by drone inspections?
The main focuses of drone surveillance include:
Traffic violations related to not wearing a seatbelt, using a cell phone while driving and trucks driving in the left lane are clearly defined in the Brazilian Traffic Code (CTB), each with their respective penalties.
1. Lack of seat belt:
- Infringement: Failure to wear a seat belt.
- Classificação: Serious.
- Penalty:
- Traffic ticket: £ 195,23.
- Points on the driver's license: 5 points.
- Observation: The mandatory use of seat belts applies to all vehicle occupants
2. Using a cell phone while driving:
- Infringement: Driving while using a cell phone.
- Classificação: Very serious.
- Penalty:
- Traffic ticket: £ 293,47.
- Points on the driver's license: 7 points.
- Observation: The infraction is characterized when the driver is caught holding or handling the cell phone while driving. Even the use of headphones connected to the cell phone is considered an infraction.
3. Trucks in the left lane:
- Infringement: Driving a truck in the left lane on multi-lane roads.
- Classificação: Average.
- Penalty:
- Traffic ticket: £ 130,16.
- Points on the driver's license: 4 points.
Is drone surveillance permitted by law?
A common question is whether the use of drones for surveillance is permitted by Brazilian law. The answer is yes. Resolution 909 of the National Traffic Council (Contran)) authorizes inspection and citation through video monitoring, as long as the location is properly signposted.
Warning signs are mandatory to inform drivers that the road is subject to video monitoring, ensuring transparency and compliance with the law.
However, there are some restrictions. On single-lane highways with many curves, stretches under construction or places without shoulders, the use of patrol cars for inspection may become unfeasible. In these situations, the PRF adopts alternatives that guarantee the safety of drivers and the efficiency of inspection.
With the use of drones and long-range radars, the monitoring of Brazilian highways is undergoing a true revolution through the PRF. The new technology, already in operation in Minas Gerais and Santa Catarina, promises to reduce violations and bring more safety to those who travel on the country's roads.