English 
Spanish 
4 min read
15 comments
The PRF implements new technologies and advanced techniques to reinforce the monitoring of the use of seat belts and cell phones on the roads
Increasingly, the PRF The use of drones and video surveillance cameras as monitoring tools in Brazilian traffic has been increasing, raising the level of control and technology on Brazilian roads. The result is certain: increase in the number of traffic fines issued.
The use of modern equipment is nothing new, but its evolution has been impressive. Initially, the cameras monitored violations such as illegal overtaking or use of the hard shoulder.
Now, high resolution even allows you to capture behavior inside the vehicle, such as using a cell phone or not wearing a seatbelt.
- Out of touch with reality? Jeep admits: it went 'too far' with the prices of its vehicles! Will we see promotions around the world?
- Fines will be issued freely! DER confirms new radars on an important highway in the first half of 1
- Chevrolet Vectra GT: The modern sports hatchback that combines style, comfort and costs less than R$40.000
- DER makes the final decision and decides whether or not to install an 'anti-scam' radar on one of São Paulo's main highways
In Bahia, for example, the BR 324 is testing cameras with artificial intelligence capable of identifying whether drivers or passengers are not wearing a seatbelt or using a cell phone.
These devices do not automatically generate fines, but alert traffic officers who, based on the images, apply the necessary measures. assessments.
Growth in Sao Paulo
In São Paulo, modern cameras installed on highways under concession have contributed to a significant increase in inspection.
Data Highway Police Command (CPRv) reveal that the number of fines applied by video monitoring grew 10% in 2024 compared to the previous year. There were 68.078 infractions registered until November, against 61.911 in the same period of 2023.
The main fines in São Paulo for video surveillance include:
- Failure to wear a seat belt;
- Handling your cell phone while driving;
- Driving outside the right lanes by slow or large vehicles;
- Traveling in prohibited areas, such as sidewalks, cycle paths or gardens;
- Parking illegally on shoulders or sidewalks.
Despite the progress, the application of fines for passengers in the back seat without seatbelts still faces difficulties, as Borges Leite reports. In case of doubt, the infraction is not recorded.
Drones on the scene
While São Paulo does not yet use drones for inspection, the Federal Highway Police (PRF) already uses unmanned aircraft in five states: Espírito Santo, Minas Gerais, Pará, Rio Grande do Sul and Santa Catarina.
These drones are employees mainly in places where vehicles cannot park, as explained by Jeferson Almeida, general coordinator of Road Safety at the PRF.
"The drone works like electronic binoculars, increasing the police officer's field of vision”, says Almeida.
The devices have a zoom of up to seven times and fly between 10 and 20 meters high, offering a privileged view.
Recently, the PRF concluded a bidding process to acquire 80 drones by 2025, with an investment of R$3,72 million.
Initially, nine aircraft will be acquired. In addition, agents are being trained to operate them, with emphasis on Santa Catarina, where the use of drones is more advanced on BR-101 and 282.
In Minas Gerais, a post on the PRF's Instagram showing footage of illegal overtaking captured by drones on BR-262 went viral, reaching almost one million views.
Rules for camera monitoring
Video surveillance has been regulated in Brazil since 2013. In 2022, Contran (National Traffic Council) published new regulations consolidating the rules for the use of video cameras in issuing fines.
Increased monitoring by technology has generated much criticism. On the one hand, some praise the effectiveness in combating violations and preventing accidents. On the other, drivers criticize what they consider to be excessive control.
Although efficient, technology does not replace face-to-face approaches, especially in situations where direct interaction with the driver is necessary. Therefore, the PRF plans to combine both inspection models to maximize road safety.
Advances
Technological developments on Brazilian highways represent a major change in the way traffic enforcement is conducted. With drones, smart cameras and video monitoring systems, violations are likely to become increasingly visible, reducing impunity.
Meanwhile, drivers need to be aware of the changes and aware of their rights, such as the mandatory signage on monitored roads.
After all, technology can be the “all-seeing eye”, but it also needs to respect standards and ensure transparency.
It's funny how I don't see any government action to guide and raise awareness among drivers with the same investment it makes in the tax collection industry called fines!
I don't see any guidance on drivers' rights and ways to appeal in case of abuse of authority by bad actors!
I would really like to know when they are going to implement a system to combat cargo theft, especially in Rio de Janeiro. Oops: I don't think it will ever, it won't generate income for the government, but fines will be the goose that lays the golden eggs.
I forgot none of this will generate income like fines
If they adopted new techniques to reduce daily accidents on Dutra and Fernão Dias, they would be better regarded.
Modern cars, with cutting-edge technology and (outdated highways), without any duplication, just collecting money is enough to make this state sick.
BR 153 from São José do Rio Preto to Goiânia, the right lane is full of holes, Denit does not monitor this