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Splashing Pedestrians With Your Car Is a Traffic Violation in Brazil. As Foreseen in Article 171 of the CTB, This Action Can Result in a Fine of R$ 130.16, Four Points on the Driver’s License, and Additional Punishments in Intentional Cases
Many people think that splashing water on pedestrians is just a distasteful joke, but the truth is that this behavior is prohibited by law in Brazil. The Brazilian Traffic Code (CTB) treats this type of behavior as a medium violation, subject to fines and points deducted from the driver’s license. And, although few people know this, there are recorded cases in various cities across the country.
What the Brazilian Traffic Code Says
Article 171 of the CTB is clear: “Using a vehicle to throw, over pedestrians or vehicles, water or debris” is a medium-level violation. The penalty provided is a fine of R$ 130.16 and four points on the driver’s license.
The purpose of the law is simple: to ensure respect and safety for pedestrians, avoiding dangerous or embarrassing behaviors on the road. In practice, the article covers situations in which the driver deliberately drives through puddles of water or mud to splash someone, a behavior unfortunately common on rainy days.
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The Difference Between Accident and Intentional Act
Not every situation where a car splashes a pedestrian results in a fine. The determining factor is intent. According to the Traffic Portal, the violation can only be applied when there is proof that the driver had the opportunity to avoid the puddle or accelerated on purpose to splash the person.
Cases where the driver is taken by surprise by a sudden accumulation of water, without the chance to swerve, are assessed differently. In these scenarios, the citation rarely occurs, as the legislation allows for common sense and analysis of the circumstances by the authorities.
Enforcement and Low Number of Violations
Despite being enforced by law for years, the infraction of Article 171 is rarely recorded. This happens because enforcement depends on the presence of an agent or visual evidence, such as videos or photos that prove the intentional act.
According to the Municipal Superintendent of Transportation and Traffic (SMTT) of Maceió, only seven violations were recorded in the first half of 2021 based on this article. In Belém (PA), the annual average is also low, with only 12 cases in 2018, according to a report from the O Liberal portal.
These numbers show that, despite the rule existing, the practical application is still limited, mainly because it relies on direct proof of the act.
Education and Respect on the Road
More than just a fine, the prohibition seeks to reinforce the idea of responsible coexistence between drivers and pedestrians. Splashing water or mud on someone can cause embarrassment, accidents, and even health problems, depending on the situation. Therefore, reducing speed and staying alert on rainy days is an ethical and legal obligation.
The National Department of Traffic (Denatran) and other enforcement agencies highlight that education and empathy are fundamental pillars of road safety. Respecting those on foot is part of a more humane and safe traffic environment for everyone.
EXISTE A LEI E DEVE SER RESPEITADA. MAS ATÉ HOJE EU NUNCA VI E TVZ NUNCA VEREI, ALGUÉM SER PUNIDO POR JOGAR ÁGUA, COM O CARRO EM ALGUÉM.
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