Surprise in traffic! A fine of R$880 for anyone parking in a space for elderly people and PwD has just been approved!

A new bill aims to increase the amount of traffic fines for those who park in spaces designated for the elderly and people with disabilities. Understand the objectives of this PL, its impacts on society and the estimated date of when it may come into force.

The Senate Human Rights Committee approved, on Wednesday (7), a bill that changes the Brazilian Traffic Code to increase traffic fines for illegally parking a vehicle in spaces reserved for people with disabilities or the elderly. The text received a favorable opinion from the rapporteur, senator Soraya Thronicke (Podemos-MS), and now proceeds to the analysis of the House plenary.

How much will the fine cost for parking in a parking space for the elderly and PWD?

Currently, the Traffic Code establishes that parking in a space for the elderly and people with disabilities, without credentials proving such conditions, is very serious infraction, punishable by a fine of R$ 293,47 and removal of the vehicle. It is at this point that the project promotes changes and the Traffic Code would go on to say that the traffic fine would be increased three times (reaching R$ 880,41) or, in case of repeat offense within a period of up to two years, aggravated five times, going to R$ 1.467,35 for parking in a space for elderly people and people with disabilities.

Soraya Thronicke, in its opinion, states that the current value of the traffic fine prevents it from fulfilling its purpose (avoiding and punishing illegal parking in reserved spaces), as it sometimes appears to be derisory compared to the financial situation of vehicle drivers who commit the infraction.

The project seeks to contribute to resolving this issue, by increasing the value of the aforementioned fine, making it an effective instrument in tackling the remnants that still exist in our society of disrespect for the rights of people with disabilities and elderly people.

Senator highlights the importance of the fine for parking in a space for the elderly and PWD

The senator highlights that the desired behavior of drivers will not come only with an increase in the value of the traffic fine. The objective, ultimately, is cultural change, but the expectation is that, in this extreme case, the educational path involves increasing penalties for conduct that has been repelled by society for years.

The law would come into force on the date of its publication in the Official Gazette of the Union. The project was presented by senator Mara Grabilli (PSD-SP). There is still no scheduled date for it to be voted on in the plenary.

Parking spaces designated for the elderly and people with disabilities are a guarantee of accessibility and mobility for these groups. They are essential in urban areas, where space is limited and competition for vacancies is high.

Spaces for the elderly and PWD allow people with reduced mobility to access services and daily activities more easily. The creation of these vacancies is regulated by federal legislation, but compliance with the rules depends on supervision. With the increase in traffic fines, the expectation is that inspection will be intensified, resulting in a more appropriate use of these spaces.

Impacts of the increase in traffic fines

Traffic and human rights experts see the change as positive. They believe the stricter punishment can serve as an effective deterrent against the common practice of parking in reserved spaces without authorization. The increase in traffic fines for those who park in an elderly parking space could stimulate a broader debate about accessibility and inclusion in the country.

The project still needs to be analyzed by the Senate plenary. If approved, it will go to presidential sanction. The expectation is that the measure will be voted on this semester, given the importance of the topic and the support it has received among parliamentarians.