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City Approves Law Reducing Fines for App Drivers from R$1,500 to R$500 and Limits Vehicle Seizures to Cases of Recidivism. The Measure Aims to Alleviate Financial Pressures but Raises Questions About Oversight and Service Quality.
A city has taken a decisive step regarding the regulation of app drivers, promoting changes that promise to significantly alter the daily lives of these professionals.
The news brought relief to thousands of drivers who depend on these digital platforms to secure their livelihoods.
The measure reduces the amount of fines and relaxes administrative actions that were previously considered too severe.
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What Changed with the New Legislation?
The new law No. 11,507/2024 of Fortaleza, Ceará, was sanctioned on December 17 and published in the Official Gazette of the Municipality (DOM) on the 18th.
It alters important points of the Ordinary Law No. 10,751/2018, which regulates the use of urban roads in Fortaleza for paid individual transport through digital platforms.
Among the main changes are:
- Reduction of fine amounts: Infractions that previously resulted in fines of R$ 1,500 will now cost R$ 500.
- Change in vehicle seizure: The measure that provided for immediate seizure will now only be applied in cases of recidivism.
- Possibility of doubled fines: Recidivist drivers remain subject to doubled amounts in case of repeated infractions.
These changes apply to three main situations:
Conducting paid transport without using a registered digital platform.
Organizing or setting up fixed waiting points similar to taxi stands.
Operating with third-party registration or login, making it difficult for users to identify the driver.
The Trajectory of the New Law
The project, presented by councilor Márcio Martins (União) to the City Council on November 14, underwent analysis by the Constitution and Justice Commission.
The report considered that the previous amounts were not in line with the economic reality of Fortaleza.
With the support of the Executive Power, the proposal was approved in the plenary on December 4 and sanctioned by Mayor José Sarto.
According to Márcio Martins, the law corrects an “absurd disproportionality”.
He argued that few severe infractions in the Brazilian Traffic Code (CTB) exceed R$ 1,500, while in Fortaleza, app drivers faced high fines that compromised their earnings.
Comparison with National Fines
In Brazil, the CTB imposes high fines for serious infractions, such as driving under the influence of alcohol (R$ 2,943.70) or interrupting traffic flow without authorization (R$ 5,869.40).
However, fines for failing to assist victims are lower than those previously applied to drivers in Fortaleza, reaching R$ 1,467.35.
The new law aims to adjust the amounts to fairer levels, according to the economic reality of the professionals.
According to Márcio Martins, “the reduction is not permissiveness but a way to respect those who work hard and depend on these platforms.”
Impacts for Drivers and Platforms
The change has been well received by drivers, who frequently face financial and operational challenges.
The reduction in fines represents significant savings for professionals who often already deal with high fees charged by app companies.
On the other hand, the law also reinforces the responsibility of digital platforms.
Companies that violate the legislation are subject to fines of R$ 7,500 and, in case of recidivism, may lose their registration in the municipality.
What Are Registered Platforms?
Digital transport platforms mediate the service between drivers and users, limiting the capacity of each ride to four passengers.
To operate in Fortaleza, these companies need to be registered with the municipality.
The new legislation makes it clear that non-compliance with the regulations may lead to heavy financial and administrative penalties, highlighting a commitment to fair and efficient regulation.
Economic and Social Impacts
With the new rules, greater adherence of drivers to regulation is expected, promoting a more organized and balanced work environment.
Moreover, the financial relief may encourage more professionals to enter the market, increasing the supply of transport for users.
However, experts point out that it is essential for inspections to be efficient to prevent abuses and ensure the safety of passengers and drivers.
Repercussions Among Drivers
Drivers like João Silva, who has been working in Fortaleza for five years, celebrated the change.
“It was impossible to keep working knowing that any mistake could lead to a fine of R$ 1,500. Now, I can breathe easier,” he says.
The law also brought a feeling of recognition for these professionals, who often face financial and operational difficulties.
“The reduction in fines is a sign that our demands were heard,” comments Ana Paula, another driver in the capital.
And you, reader, do you believe that the change in fines encourages a fairer relationship between drivers and inspections, or could it open loopholes for abuses? Share your opinion in the comments!
Legislar sobre trânsito é competência exclusiva da União. Logo, essa lei não tem validade alguma e já já será julgada inconstitucional. Aí fico me perguntando o que seria pior: políticos não saberem disso (ou sabem e fazem pelo voto), ou quem confia nesses.
Esses motoristas já sofrem com os valores das corridas que muitas vezes não pagam nem o custo da gasolina, que dirá manutenção e outros!! Sem falar nas ruas e estradas que são cheias de buracos, muitas vezes lesando esses motoristas com pneus furados e destruição dos próprios carros!!
O Estado e os municípios tem que dar incentivos , pq em função das plataformas recebem também mais impostos!! E tem mais o quesito segurança, que é um caos!!
Daria pra relacionar tantas coisas desfavoráveis à esses profissionais!!
Todos os Estados deveriam se concientizar e melhorar para essa categoria!!
Aqui no município de Francisco Morato também tá impossível trabalhar de aplicativo estão aprendendo moto de brincadeira e as multas estão chegando até com a moto parada na garagem tá difícil e vc corre atrás e ninguém faz nada