The Federal Prosecutor’s Office (MPF) filed a public civil action to prevent drivers from being fined If they do not pay the fares of the new electronic collection system that will be implemented on the Presidente Dutra Highway (BR-116).
The model, called the automatic gantry at the portica installed along the road, without the need for speed reduction, allowing continuous flow at the collection points.
According to the MPF, there is a high risk of applying improper fines, which could Bring drivers to over -indebtedness and even the suspension of the right to drive.
In the São Paulo Metropolitan Region, the system will feature 21 collection portals distributed in Dutra’s Express Access Handles, 12 towards Rio de Janeiro and nine in the opposite direction.
MPF maintains that the system It has no legal nature of tollbut of optional service, avoided congestion on side roads, without the purpose of financing the maintenance of the highway.
According to agency estimates, up to five million fines could be applied per year only in Dutra. The calculation is based on the numbers recorded in Rio-Santos (BR-101), where Free Flow already operates.
In addition to asking for the immediate suspension of penalties linked to Free Flow in Dutra, the MPF requests that the Federal Court declare unconstitutional The changes made in 2021 in the Brazilian Traffic Code (CTB), which allowed this type of assessment. The measure, if welcomed, would have an effect on all highways in the country.
