English 
Spanish 
6 min read
0 comments
New traffic violation law provides for imprisonment and revocation of the driver's license for very serious violations, as approved by the Commission
The abandonment of domestic animals on public roads is a sad reality and, unfortunately, very common in Brazil. To address this situation, Committee on Environment and Sustainable Development of the Chamber of Deputies took an important step by approving a proposal that makes abandoning a pet a crime and a serious traffic violation, in addition to the possibility of losing your driver's license.
This measure aims to hold accountable drivers who use vehicles to leave defenseless animals on the streets.
The proposal, which is awaiting analysis by other committees and needs to be approved by the Chamber of Deputies and the Senate to become law, establishes that anyone who abandons an animal on a public road will be subject to strict penalties. This includes imprisonment of 2 to 5 years and the revocation of the right to drive.
- Collection of abandoned vintage cars on US farm includes Cadillacs and Lincolns, all covered in dust and debris
- China and Stellantis announce mega €4 billion investment in battery factory in Spain
- The Mystery of the Lost Bugatti: A Car Valued at $100 Million That Has Never Been Found
- New Kombi, but from Fiat? The company registers the Fiat Doblò in Brazil and causes anxiety among fans of the utility vehicle! Will it return?
The law covers not only the driver who abandons the animal, but also any passenger who contributes or fails to act in the face of abandonment. Furthermore, the project characterizes the act as a very serious traffic violation, which results in a fine and the seizure of the driver's license.
According to the rapporteur of the proposal, deputy Nilto Tatto (PT-SP), the new text integrates elements of four different projects on the subject: Bill 25/24, by deputy Delegado Matheus Laiola (União-PR), and the appendices 236/24, 951/24 and 257/24.
Tatto's amendment brings together what he considers the most important points of the proposals analyzed, making the abandonment of animals a very serious offense and establishing criminal punishment for drivers and passengers who participate in the action.
What does the new Traffic Violation project mean in practice?
Imagine the situation: someone takes your dog to a remote area, in the middle of a road, and leaves him there, defenseless and without any assistance. The animal has no way to return home, he is in a strange environment, without food or water.
He is vulnerable to numerous dangers, such as being run over, hunger, thirst and mistreatment by other people. The new proposal seeks to curb this type of cruel behavior, imposing severe punishments for those who consider abandonment as a way out.easy".
Furthermore, by classifying animal abandonment as a very serious traffic violation, the proposal reinforces the importance to respect life in all its forms.
The idea is to create a deterrent effect, making people think twice before abandoning an animal. Abandoning a pet should not be a viable or consequence-free choice; everyone needs to understand the responsibility they take on when adopting an animal.
A step towards empathy and responsibility
This bill also raises an important question about our responsibility towards animals. Many of us grew up with a pet, and these companions are part of the family. Adopting an animal is not just “having a pet” – it is committing to its life and well-being, something that many unfortunately do not take into consideration.
The approval of this proposal signals progress in animal protection and an invitation to empathy. It shows that we can no longer treat abandonment as something minor or without consequences. Our pets depend on us for survival, safety and love, and they deserve respect at all times.
If this law is passed, it will be an important step towards protecting animals in Brazil. We are still in the process of raising awareness, but actions like this show that the country is moving towards a future where acts of cruelty are punished and responsibility is encouraged.
Other very serious infractions in Brazil
In addition to the proposal that makes abandoning animals a very serious traffic violation, the Brazilian Traffic Code (CTB) already provides for several behaviors as violations of the same severity, which are punished severely due to the high risk they pose to everyone's safety. Here are some of the main very serious violations, according to the CTB:
- Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs
Driving under the influence of alcohol or psychoactive substances is one of the most serious offenses. The penalty includes a high fine, suspension of the driver's license and, in more serious cases, imprisonment. This practice is extremely dangerous and increases the risk of fatal accidents. - Refusing to take a breathalyzer test
Refusing to take a breathalyzer test, clinical examination or expert assessment when requested by the authorities is also a very serious offense. Refusal results in a fine and suspension of the right to drive, and is a measure to ensure that drivers comply with traffic laws. - Speeding above 50% of the permitted limit
Driving at a speed exceeding 50% of the speed limit is another very serious infraction. Penalties include a high fine, loss of points on the driver's license and, in cases of repeated offenses, even suspension of the driver's license. - Unauthorized street racing or drag racing
Taking part in street races or street racing is a very serious offense that can result in high fines, vehicle seizure and, depending on the case, even imprisonment. In addition to putting those involved at risk, it exposes pedestrians and other drivers to serious accidents. - Dangerous overtaking
Overtaking in prohibited areas, such as on continuous lanes or on curves, is considered a very serious offense. This practice greatly increases the risk of head-on collisions, especially on two-way roads, and can result in a fine and loss of your license. - Run a red light
Running a red light puts the lives of pedestrians and other drivers at risk. This offense is punishable by a high fine and loss of points on your driver's license, and is one of the main causes of accidents at intersections. - Driving without a license
Driving without a driver's license, or with a suspended or revoked license, is another very serious offense. This demonstrates the importance of complying with the requirements for driving a vehicle legally and safely. - Transporting children without safety devices
Transporting children without using appropriate safety devices, such as car seats, is also very serious. The use of appropriate car seats and booster seats is essential for the safety of children in the event of an accident. - Blocking of public roads
Intentionally blocking a road, such as during demonstrations, protests or even by cargo vehicles, is a very serious offense. This behavior hinders the flow of traffic and can compromise the safety of everyone on the roads. - Overtaking at a pedestrian crossing
Passing vehicles that are stopped at pedestrian crossings or at traffic light crossings is an infraction that puts pedestrians at great risk. This behavior is severely punished to protect the most vulnerable on the road.
These extremely serious infractions demonstrate the seriousness of the CTB in curbing behaviors that put the lives of drivers, passengers and pedestrians at risk. The classification of infractions of this nature and the creation of new ones, such as the proposal for abandoning animals, reinforce the need for safer and more conscious traffic for everyone.
