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Soon, the highway (BR) may adopt the non-stop toll, the revolutionary model that promises to eliminate lines at the booths. The news, which is already being discussed in Brasília, aims to optimize traffic and improve the experience of drivers.
A significant change may be on the horizon for the drivers who travel on the highways of Santa Catarina.
The implementation of the non-stop toll — also known as the free flow model — is increasingly close to being implemented, representing a revolution in the toll collection system.
With the proposal advancing in the political scene, the main affected route will be BR-101 North, managed by the concessionaire Arteris Litoral Sul.
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What is the Non-Stop Toll (Free Flow)?
The non-stop toll system, or free flow, is a model that promises to transform the way drivers pay for the use of highways.
Instead of stopping at toll booths, vehicles pass through portals equipped with license plate and tag reading technology, allowing for automatic charging without interruptions in the journey.
The main benefit of this model is the elimination of lines at toll plazas, something that causes frequent disruptions in Brazil, especially during peak hours.
Implementation Proposal in Santa Catarina is Advancing
The news is already being seriously debated in the National Congress, where the Santa Catarina delegation in Brasília has been pushing for the implementation of the system on the state’s highways.
Senator Esperidião Amin, from the Progressistas Party, has been one of the biggest advocates of the measure.
Amin stated that the installation of the non-stop toll portals is a “crucial” step in the renegotiation process of the BR-101 North concession contract.
In a scenario of optimizing federal highway contracts, the non-stop toll model is gaining traction.
The National Agency for Land Transport (ANTT) has already committed to sending the proposal for contract optimization for BR-101 North to the Bureau of Federal Audit (TCU) by April 15, 2025, a fundamental step for the model to be implemented.
Initially, the free flow was not part of the planned investment package for the coming years.
However, a law authored by Senator Esperidião Amin, enacted in 2021, mandates the implementation of the model in all highway concessions, which accelerates the application of the system on BR-101 North.
End of Lines at Santa Catarina’s Toll Booths?
The installation of non-stop toll portals promises significant changes for drivers traveling the highways in Santa Catarina, especially along the northern stretch of BR-101.
Today, many drivers face long lines at toll plazas, especially during peak hours, causing disruptions and increasing travel time.
With the free flow, this scenario can be permanently transformed.
The trend is that toll booths will be replaced by a more agile and modern system, making the trip more fluid and uninterrupted.
How Does the Non-Stop Toll Work?
The non-stop toll model is not entirely new in Brazil.
Some states have already implemented similar systems, such as Rio Grande do Sul and Paraná.
In Rio Grande do Sul, for example, drivers can use traditional toll tags, which are automatically read at the portals.
If the driver does not have the tag, he can make the payment up to 15 days after passing through the website or application of the concessionaire.
The system works as follows:
when the vehicle passes through a portal, the license plate is automatically read, identifying the type of vehicle, such as the number of axles.
Based on this data, the system calculates the toll fee according to the traveled route and generates the corresponding charge.
If the plate is correctly identified, the amount due is recorded and becomes available for immediate payment.
Human Review and Payment Flexibility
An interesting aspect of the system is that, in case of failure to read the plate by the automated system, the images of the plates undergo human review.
If the correct reading of the plate is confirmed, the charge is applied.
This manual review increases the reliability of the system and reduces the possibility of errors.
For those who already use toll tags, the payment is automatic, without the need for driver intervention.
Moreover, users who choose to use the tag system can enjoy a 5% discount on the toll fee.
For frequent users of the system, the discount can be progressive, reaching up to 20% depending on the number of trips made in the same month.
This system not only streamlines the charging process but also offers a more convenient experience for regular drivers, promoting savings and speed in traffic.
Other Implementations of the Model in Brazil
In addition to Santa Catarina, other states have already adopted or are in the process of implementing the free flow model.
In Rio Grande do Sul, for example, the system has been effectively used on state highways, with acceptance of tags from different operators.
In other states, such as Paraná, the implementation is underway, demonstrating the growing movement towards modernizing the toll system in the country.
The Impact of the Non-Stop Toll on Drivers
For drivers, the implementation of the free flow promises significant relief.
The elimination of lines at toll plazas reduces travel time and the frustration many face when having to stop to make the payment.
Moreover, the system brings greater efficiency in the charging process, preventing traffic jams and improving traffic flow, especially on highways with a large volume of vehicles.
The ease of payment and flexibility for drivers, who can pay for the toll online or even receive progressive discounts, makes the system advantageous for both frequent travelers and those who use the roads occasionally.
Prospects for the Future of Brazilian Highways
The non-stop toll model is becoming increasingly popular in Brazil, as authorities seek solutions to improve the country’s road infrastructure.
The innovation of free flow is a reflection of the movement toward modernization of the transport system, using technology to enhance user experience and increase the efficiency of the toll system.
With the implementation of the model in Santa Catarina, it is expected that other regions of Brazil will follow suit, improving infrastructure and making Brazilian highways more modern and efficient.
The impact will be significant, not only for drivers but also for the economy, as the time saved on the roads can translate into productivity gains and reduced logistics costs.
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