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Caught Everyone By Surprise? 8 New Radars On The BR Have Already Caught Over 3 Thousand Drivers In Two Days Of Testing; Fines Reach R$ 880 With Suspension Of The Driver’s License
If you usually take BR-040, it’s a good idea to pay extra attention: starting from July 18, eight new radars began operating between the municipalities of Nova Lima and Santos Dumont. The stretch, about 191 km long, is now being monitored much more rigorously. And the test numbers have already raised the alarm: in just two days of active monitoring, over 3 thousand drivers were caught speeding, and worse, no fines were being applied yet.
The New Phase of Monitoring On BR-040
The entity responsible for this change is the EPR Via Mineira, the concessionaire that manages this section of the highway. The proposal is simple but direct: reduce accidents and increase safety with better speed control. The radars have been placed at strategic points on the highway, precisely where there is more traffic or a higher risk of severe collisions.
During the days of July 6 and 7, the concessionaire conducted tests with the equipment turned on but without imposing penalties. Even so, during this brief period, the sensors detected about 3 thousand infractions. According to EPR, this number was considered “concerning” and reinforces how much drivers still ignore speed limits on the roads. “This is a safety measure, not just a control one,” the company emphasized in a statement.
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These results led to an intensification of educational actions, such as the prior installation of informative signs indicating the new speed limits, to give drivers time to adapt before the radars are fully activated.
Where The New Radars Are And What The Limits Are
The installation of the equipment covers several points of BR-040. Here’s the complete list of locations and permitted speeds:
- Nova Lima (km 545.9) – southbound: 100 km/h for light vehicles and 80 km/h for heavy vehicles
- Nova Lima (km 551.4) – southbound: same speeds as the previous point
- Itabirito (km 590.0) – northbound: speed limit of 60 km/h
- Congonhas (km 603.7) – northbound: speed limit of 80 km/h
- Congonhas (km 614.6) – both directions: speed limit of 60 km/h
- Barbacena (km 716.3) – northbound: 60 km/h
- Santos Dumont (km 737.1) – northbound: also 60 km/h
The selection of these points was not random. According to EPR, they were defined based on traffic and accident statistics, prioritizing the most critical stretches. The idea is precisely to avoid risky situations, such as sudden braking, rear-end collisions, or loss of control in dangerous curves.
The Chronic Problem Of Speeding
Data from the Federal Highway Police (PRF) reveals that speeding is one of the main risk factors on Brazilian highways. On BR-040, which connects the Federal District to Rio de Janeiro, passing through Minas Gerais, the problem is even more serious due to the high volume of heavy vehicles and urban traffic in some areas.
According to the CNT Report (National Transport Confederation), over 40% of accidents with victims on federal highways are directly related to recklessness and disregard for signage, with speeding being one of the most recurring villains.
And what many drivers still don’t understand is that radar is not just for applying fines. It’s a prevention tool. When well positioned and signaled, it helps to reduce the average speed of the roadway, which has already proven effective in decreasing severe accidents.
Attention Drivers: Fines Can Cost R$ 880 And License Suspension
With the new radars in operation, drivers traveling between Nova Lima and Santos Dumont need to be attentive to the signs and strictly adhere to the limits. It’s important to remember that fines for exceeding speed limits vary according to the infraction:
- Up to 20% over the limit: moderate infraction, R$ 130.16 and 4 points on the driver’s license
- From 20% to 50% over the limit: severe infraction, R$ 195.23 and 5 points
- Over 50% over the limit: extremely serious infraction, R$ 880.41, 7 points, and suspension of the right to drive
That is, exceeding 60 km/h in a zone with this limit can be very costly, not only financially but also for your safety and that of others.
Furthermore, from now on, there’s no use claiming surprise: all points are properly signaled, as required by the National Land Transport Agency (ANTT). This also reinforces the legality of any fines that may be applied in the area, according to the criteria established by the Brazilian Traffic Code (CTB).
Do you usually pass through this stretch of BR-040? Have you noticed the new radars or the updated signage? Do you think this measure will really help reduce accidents or is it just another way to collect fines? Leave your opinion in the comments or share this article with someone who needs to drive there in the coming days.
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