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Proposals being analyzed by the Federal Senate and the Chamber of Deputies aim to tighten traffic laws, making crimes such as intentional homicide non-bailable and increasing penalties for drivers who drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs. The changes could drastically transform the lives of Brazilian drivers.
Imagine being behind the wheel and, in the blink of an eye, coming across a new law that not only drastically increases penalties, but also makes certain infractions practically unforgivable.
It looks like a scene from a movie, right? But, in fact, this reality is getting closer, and the consequences can be devastating for those who do not pay attention to the changes.
The Federal Senate is in the midst of analyzing a bill that could radically transform the Brazilian Traffic Code (CTB), imposing much stricter rules for drivers involved in accidents, especially those who consume alcohol or other psychoactive substances.
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Proposed changes to the Brazilian Traffic Code
According to Bill (PL) 1229/24, proposed by senator Fabiano Contarato (PT-ES), any driver involved in a traffic accident will be obliged to carry out tests and examinations to detect the presence of alcohol or psychoactive substances in their body.
This change aims to close loopholes in current legislation, which only suggests, but does not require, that drivers undergo such tests. If substance use is proven and the accident results in death, the driver may face severe consequences: homicide will become a non-bailable crime, with no possibility of pardon or amnesty.
Contarato's proposal, which modifies article 277 of the CTB, seeks make compulsory alcohol or toxicological testing for drivers involved in serious accidents. Currently, the law mentions that the driver “may be subjected” to such tests, but with the new wording, the obligation will become inescapable.
Furthermore, the PL also proposes a change in article 301 of the CTB, ordering the arrest of the driver in the act if the consumption of alcohol or drugs is found, even if he provided immediate assistance to the victim.
Justification for the new legislation
The senator's justification for these changes is the alarming increase in fatal traffic accidents, many of which involve drivers under the influence of psychoactive substances.
According to Contarato, current legislation has failed in its preventive function, and it is necessary to tighten the rules to protect lives. “We can no longer tolerate impunity in traffic,” said the senator in an official statement.
Other proposals to toughen penalties
Another proposal that is also in progress and promises to toughen punishments for traffic crimes is PL 1002/2024, authored by deputy Delegado Palumbo (MDB-SP). This project aims to include intentional homicide while driving a motor vehicle in the list of traffic crimes, with a prison sentence of six to 20 years.
Furthermore, the PL proposes increase penalties for cases of failure to provide assistance, suggesting imprisonment of six months to one year and a fine, instead of just one of these punishments, as is currently stipulated.
These changes represent a direct response to the growing number of serious accidents in Brazilian traffic and the decreasing willingness of drivers to submit to a breathalyzer test.
According to Congressman Palumbo, the objective is to reinforce the responsibility of drivers and ensure that those who choose to drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs face the legal consequences of their actions.
“Getting behind the wheel in these conditions is like holding a loaded gun; the risk is real and the consequences can be fatal”, the parliamentarian recently emphasized when commenting on the project he proposed.
These new measures have the potential to have a significant impact on the behavior of Brazilian drivers, but they also raise questions about the applicability and effectiveness of these punishments.
Are stricter laws really the solution to reducing traffic accidents in Brazil? Leave your opinion in the comments!
This is taking a while.
It should have been around a long time ago!
You drank… don’t drive, it’s that simple!!
Regarding that, I completely agree, without a doubt!!!
Empowered.
And the C* de C@chorro are still against it. Because of some C&rda like you, innocent families die in traffic.
20 years of sugarcane is still not enough.
Bebeu took the risk.
He must answer for Intentional Homicide without progression of sentence and 40 years in prison if there are fatal victims.
I agree. But also for crimes such as robbery, rape and others. 49 years, non-bailable and without progression.
Life sentence
I completely agree with you because if the law requires a harsh sentence for those who drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs, other serious crimes should also have harsher punishments, including for those who commit homicide or robbery, we should have at least life imprisonment in Brazil.
I completely agree with Mr. Marcão, that's why I said that there should be stricter penalties, those who disagree is because they have never lost a loved one in their family.
Also, these deputies should make a tough law for the **** **** prisoner who will only leave ****, be it progression or hell, after paying for all the damage caused to his victim, and the state should charge so that he does not suffer reprisals, since they have money to pay good lawyers, then they should bear the damages too.
True. Said it all.
We will increase revenue and create more taxes to build a penitentiary for a multitude of people sentenced to 20 years for traffic accidents.
Better this way
Empowered.
But it already exists, it is only applied when the guy is poor!!
Finally, someone said what the powerful don't like to hear or read. We all know that if the son of an authority figure is caught in one of these crimes, he will be immediately acquitted and the poor person involved will always be the one to blame. That really needs to change. There needs to be a law that takes away the power of the powerful in situations like this.
Tell that to the son of a politician or some drug-using tycoon who comes out of nightclubs and kills pedestrians and doesn't even go to jail.
This law will only be for the poor, as everything bad in Brazil goes to the poor.
So one error justifies another?
Perfect answer Marcos.
I think so.
This law must be approved as soon as possible, because impunity in traffic kills many innocent people every year!
I agree, but this is a snowball effect and corrupt politicians who steal and let children and teenagers die without medical care, without education, without anything are worse than drunks in traffic.
He said little, he said everything, Carlos..
It's already taking too long
That it be approved and implemented urgently