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City approves law that reduces the amount of fines for app drivers from R$1.500 to R$500 and limits vehicle seizures to cases of repeat offenses. The measure seeks to alleviate financial pressures, but raises questions about oversight and the quality of service.
A city has taken a decisive step towards regulating drivers of applications, promoting changes that promise to significantly change the daily lives of these professionals.
The news brought relief to thousands of drivers who depend on these digital platforms to ensure their livelihood.
The measure reduces the value of fines and makes administrative measures that were previously considered too severe more flexible.
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What has changed with the new legislation?
A new law No. 11.507/2024 from Fortaleza, in Ceara, It was sanctioned on December 17th and published in the Municipal Official Gazette (DOM) on the 18th.
It changes important points of Ordinary Law No. 10.751/2018, which regulates the use of urban roads in Fortaleza for paid individual transportation through digital platforms.
The main changes include:
- Reduction in the value of fines: Violations 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 repeat offenses.
- Possibility of double fines: Repeat offenders continue to be subject to double fines in the event of repeated offences.
These changes apply to three main situations:
Carry out paid transportation without using a registered digital platform.
Organize or set up fixed waiting points similar to taxi ranks.
Operating with third-party registration or login, making it difficult for the user 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, was analyzed by the Constitution and Justice Committee.
The opinion considered that the previous values were not in line with the economic reality of Fortaleza.
With the support of the Executive Branch, 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 very serious 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 provides for high fines for serious infractions, such as driving under the influence of alcohol (R$2.943,70) or interrupting the flow of traffic without authorization (R$5.869,40).
However, fines such as those for not providing assistance to victims are lower than those applied to drivers in Fortaleza, reaching R$1.467,35.
The new law seeks to adjust values to fairer levels, in accordance with the economic reality of professionals.
According to Márcio Martins, “the reduction is not permissive, but rather a way of respecting those who work hard and depend on these platforms”.
Impacts for drivers and platforms
The change was welcomed by drivers, who often face financial and operational challenges.
The reduction in fines represents significant savings for professionals who often already have to deal with high fees charged by app companies.
On the other hand, the law also reinforces the responsibility of digital platforms.
Companies that violate the legislation are subject to fines of R$ 7.500 and, in case of reoccurrence, they may lose their accreditation in the municipality.
What are accredited platforms?
Digital transport platforms mediate the service between drivers and users, limiting the capacity of each trip to four passengers.
To operate in Fortaleza, these companies must be accredited with the municipality.
The new legislation makes it clear that failure to comply with the rules can result in heavy financial and administrative penalties, demonstrating a commitment to fair and efficient regulation.
Economic and social impacts
With the new rules, greater adherence to the regulations by drivers is expected, promoting a more organized and balanced work environment.
Furthermore, financial relief may encourage more professionals to enter the market, increasing the supply of transportation for users.
However, experts point out that it is essential that inspections are efficient to avoid abuse and guarantee the safety of passengers and drivers.
Impact among drivers
drivers like João Silva, who has been working in Fortaleza for five years, celebrated the change.
“It was impossible to continue working knowing that any carelessness could lead to a fine of R$1.500. Now, I can breathe easier,” he says.
The law also brought a sense of recognition to these professionals, who often face financial and operational difficulties.
“The reduction in fines is a sign that our demands have been 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 inspectors, or could it open up loopholes for abuse? Leave your opinion in the comments!
The driver said that it was impossible to work, knowing that any carelessness could result in a fine of 1,500 reais, and that now he will be able to work more peacefully. It seems that they gave him permission to do crazy things in traffic.
That's exactly it... They just opened up loopholes for these drivers to do more crazy things.
It would be good if you didn't have these drivers, then you would walk or take the bus!! You would definitely appreciate it!!
They are picked up at your doorstep and delivered safely to their destination, for a price that often doesn't cover the cost of gasoline!!
It's because you're not in the drivers' shoes, AMC is fining unnecessarily and seizing vehicles belonging to working citizens, those who are outside the situation are talking ****,
The fines were a fraud against drivers, the Apps discount very high amounts from drivers, if these discounts are not reduced, the situation for drivers remains the same, a lot of expenses for few real gains.