PRF seized truck on BR-316 with drum used as fuel tank, without windshield, plates, and headlights in the Sertão of Pernambuco.
A Federal Highway Police inspection drew attention in the Sertão of Pernambuco after agents found a truck circulating on BR-316 in conditions considered extremely precarious for safety. According to the PRF, the vehicle used a drum improvised as a fuel tank inside the cabin, in addition to presenting a long list of structural and documental irregularities during the approach carried out in Ouricuri.
The incident occurred on Saturday, May 23, during an inspection on the federal highway. According to the corporation, the truck was transporting a load of firewood and was heading from Ouricuri to Parnamirim when it was stopped by the police. During the inspection, the agents found problems ranging from the absence of mandatory equipment to failures that could directly compromise the safety of the driver and other road users.
Drum used as a fuel tank inside the cabin was one of the irregularities that most caught the attention of the PRF
According to the official note from the Federal Highway Police, the first irregularity identified during the inspection was precisely the improvised fuel system.
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Instead of using a conventional tank installed in the truck’s structure, the vehicle carried a drum inside the cabin functioning as a fuel reservoir. The PRF highlighted the situation as one of the infractions found during the approach.
The presence of fuel stored in this way inside the area occupied by the driver significantly increases the risks in case of collision, leakage, or fire outbreak.
Truck circulated without windshield, plates, headlights, and mandatory reflective strips
During the inspection, the agents found a sequence of problems considered serious for circulation on federal highways.
According to the PRF, the truck did not have a windshield, identification plates, headlights, or the mandatory reflective stripes for cargo vehicles.
The absence of these equipment compromises both the identification of the vehicle and its visibility during nighttime travel or in adverse weather conditions.
Door was kept closed by an improvised rope
Another detail that caught the police’s attention was the condition of the cabin. According to the corporation, one of the doors was held by an improvised rope, replacing the conventional closing mechanism.
The situation was recorded among the various infractions verified during the inspection.
Instead of rear lights, there were only “signaling turtles”
The inspection also identified problems with the rear lighting system.
According to the PRF, the truck did not have conventional rear lights.
In their place, two reflective studs popularly known as “signaling turtles” were found, normally used for road guidance on tracks and parking lots.
Worn tires and damaged bumpers increased risks on the highway
The irregularities were not limited to the cabin. The police found that the tires were significantly worn and the bumpers were damaged. Additionally, the bodywork was described by the PRF as being in poor condition.
Problems of this type can compromise stability, braking, and overall vehicle safety during highway trips.
Driver did not have a driver’s license or truck registration document
During the inspection, the team also identified irregularities related to documentation.

According to the PRF, the driver did not have a National Driver’s License and also did not present the truck’s registration document.
The combination of mechanical, structural, and documentary problems led to the issuance of several citations.
Vehicle was taken to the yard after inspection
After the conclusion of the approach, the PRF reported that several citations were issued related to the infractions found.
The truck ended up being impounded in the yard due to the conditions verified during the inspection.
According to the corporation, the load of firewood transported did not present any irregularities and would be transferred to another vehicle.
Case drew attention due to the number of problems found in a single vehicle
Although routine inspections frequently identify irregularities on federal highways, the case recorded in Ouricuri gained attention due to the number of problems found in the same truck.
Without a windshield, plates, headlights, reflective strips, with worn tires, door held by a rope, damaged bumpers, driver without a license and using an improvised drum as a fuel tank inside the cabin, the vehicle ended up becoming one of the most unusual incidents reported by the PRF in recent days.

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