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New Toll on BR-101 Has Turned Into a True Nightmare for Drivers! The Electronic System Has Already Fined More Than 1 Million Times, Raising R$ 200 Million. Drivers Complain About the Lack of Information and End Up Punished Without Knowing.
In just over a year, the new electronic toll system on the Rio-Santos highway (BR-101) has become a true nightmare for drivers, with over 1 million fines registered between September 2023 and December 2024.
With an impressive average of 66 thousand offenses per month, the impact has been significant, both for drivers and public finances.
According to data from the office of federal deputy Hugo Legal (PSD-RJ), revenue from fines has surpassed R$ 200 million during this period.
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How the Electronic Toll Works: Smooth Flow, but Problems for Drivers
The new charging model, which utilizes the free flow system, was implemented to improve traffic, especially in high-traffic areas, such as the highway connecting Rio de Janeiro to several cities along the coast of Rio de Janeiro.
In this system, there is no barrier or toll booth.
The electronic device records the passage of vehicles, and the toll payment is made later, without the driver needing to stop at the toll location.
The goal is to avoid congestion and ensure smoother traffic flow.
Although the intention is to improve the experience for drivers and reduce traffic jams, the reality has been quite different for many.
The system requires drivers to make the payment within 30 days after passing, using apps or social media from the CCR Rio SP concessionaire, responsible for managing the road.
Alternatively, payments can also be made at physical service points, but many drivers are unaware of this and end up surprised by the fines.
The infraction is considered toll evasion and results in a fine of R$ 195.23, along with a loss of 5 points on the driver’s license.
This scenario has generated a large number of complaints, especially among drivers who are unfamiliar with the system and do not know how to make the payment correctly.
Drivers Face Difficulties Understanding How to Pay
Despite the presence of some signage indicating the electronic toll charge, many drivers still do not know how to pay or even pay attention to the available information.
José Renato Teixeira de Lima, one of the affected drivers, reported: “I have already received two fines passing here. Whenever I go to Angra, when I come from Rio to see family and return, I would get fined”.
The public servant stated that, due to a lack of clear information, he ended up being penalized multiple times.
Another driver, the sailor Manoel Gonçalves Da Silva, also complained about the lack of clarity in the system. “I don’t pass because of that, we don’t know what to do to pay”, he said.
The lack of awareness and precise guidance has been a constant among drivers frequenting the highway.
Many claim they have never received detailed information on how to use the new toll system.
Fernandes Leal, a maintenance supervisor, also expressed his frustration: “I didn’t know I had received a fine because there was no signage”.
For him, the absence of effective communication from the concessionaire and state government has been a significant hindrance for drivers.
Poor Signage and Ineffective Awareness Campaigns
In a report by RJ1, it was revealed that, on a stretch of about 80 kilometers between Rio de Janeiro and the municipality of Itaguaí, the team found only three signs informing about the electronic charge at the toll location.
This raises questions about the effectiveness of the signage and how drivers are guided about the system’s operation.
For many, the signs are insufficient and poorly located, making it difficult to adapt to the new charging model.
The concessionaire CCR Rio SP stated that it is conducting awareness campaigns, with banners spread along the highway and approaches to drivers, but according to reports, these measures seem to be insufficient to reach all drivers.
The lack of clarity in information and the limited presence of signs contribute to the growing number of infractions.
Fines and Revenue: Significant Financial Impact
With over 1 million fines registered in just one year, the revenue from infractions has generated a significant financial impact.
The total has surpassed R$ 200 million, with drivers being penalized for not being able to adapt to the new system.
The situation has sparked discussions about the transparency and fairness of this charging model, which some argue may be more focused on revenue generation than on promoting smooth traffic flow.
Experts point out that, although the free flow system aims to improve traffic, the lack of education and clarification about how the electronic toll operates is resulting in a substantial number of infractions.
Additionally, the absence of clear signage and the difficulty of accessing information on how to make the payment lead to many drivers being caught off guard.
Is the electronic toll model truly the best solution for the Rio-Santos highway, or is the lack of clarity and the high incidence of fines harming drivers? Share your opinion in the comments!
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