Police carried out a speed enforcement operation on the BR-376 in Tibagi, in the Campos Gerais region of Paraná, on the afternoon of 31 December. Officers recorded 137 vehicles travelling above the posted limit on the stretch, leading to a large number of traffic fines and further administrative measures.
The most serious case involved a Mercedes-Benz, which passed a radar at 205 km/h in a zone where the maximum allowed speed is 110 km/h. Several other drivers were clocked at speeds between 160 km/h and 170 km/h, far above safe limits for a federal highway.
Speeding in Brazil remains a top road safety risk
The Federal Highway Police (Polícia Rodoviária Federal, PRF) said the operation was part of intensified enforcement during periods of higher traffic, such as holidays and the end of the year. The force emphasised that speeding is one of the leading causes of serious and fatal road incidents on federal highways.
Under the Brazilian Traffic Code (Código de Trânsito Brasileiro, CTB), driving at a speed more than 50% above the permitted limit constitutes a very serious offence. The statutory penalty for such an offence includes a fine currently set at R$ 880.41 and the immediate suspension of the driver’s licence. The PRF warned that excessive speed reduces a driver’s reaction time and dramatically increases the severity of impacts in the event of a crash.
Authorities said the operation aimed both to penalise dangerous behaviour and to deter repeat offences. Traffic police routinely deploy radars and road patrols on federal routes notorious for high speeds and collision risk, particularly during festive periods when flows rise and driving conditions can become more hazardous.
Local officials urged motorists to respect speed limits and to plan journeys with extra time during holiday peaks. The PRF reminded drivers that compliance not only avoids fines and licence suspension but also lowers the likelihood of serious injury or death. In addition to speed enforcement, the police frequently monitor for other high-risk behaviours such as driving under the influence, distracted driving, and failing to use seat belts.
Residents and regular users of BR-376 expressed support for the increased monitoring, noting that high speeds have long been a concern on stretches that connect towns across Paraná. Road safety advocates say that sustained enforcement combined with public education and infrastructure improvements are needed to achieve lasting reductions in crashes.
The PRF indicated it will continue targeted operations across federal highways during holiday seasons and other peak travel times. Motorists are advised to observe posted limits, remain attentive to changing road conditions, and adopt defensive driving habits to reduce risk for themselves and other road users.
Key Takeaways:
- Speed enforcement on BR-376 in Tibagi, Paraná, led to 137 fines for drivers exceeding the limit.
- A Mercedes-Benz was recorded at 205 km/h in a 110 km/h zone; several others reached 160–170 km/h.
- Operation carried out by the Federal Highway Police during a high-traffic holiday period; serious penalties apply under the Brazilian Traffic Code.
