In the wave of other cities, Curitiba (PR) creates a special law and even a button that alerts authorities about cyclists in illegal practice
The City Hall of Curitiba has regulated the fine and seizure of bicycles, scooters and other mobility equipment used by those caught taking ‘rabeira’ on city buses. The punishment is R$ 600 — one hundred times the value of the fare. In case of recurrence within 36 months, the fine rises by 50%.
The regulation responds to a history of accidents. In April last year, a 14-year-old teenager died when he caught a tail in a vehicle on the Curitiba line, hit by another bus that was coming in the opposite direction.
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The inspection will be the responsibility of the Municipal Guard, responsible for approaching offenders, seizing equipment and issuing infraction notices. In situations of risk to the life or integrity of third parties, the offender may be taken to the police station. When the rape involves children or adolescents, the corporation may call the Guardianship Council, the Adolescent Police Station or the police, especially in case of recurrence.
The seized equipment will be under the custody of the Urbanization of Curitiba (Urbs) and will only be returned after payment of the fine or favorable administrative decision. The defense can be presented in ten business days, and the appeal, in up to 15. Unclaimed items may go to auction, and the amounts collected will be destined to the Curitiba Urbanization Fund.
Before the punishments, the city invested in the “tail button” in the entire fleet: when catching the maneuver, the driver activates the Operational Control Center, which communicates the Guard. Since May last year, the system has accumulated 3,378 alerts, 547 of which in April this year alone.
Curitiba is not alone in trying to curb the practice. In Ribeirão Preto (SP), a law sanctioned in 2025 also provides for a fine, which can exceed R$ 500, and seizure of equipment, in addition to campaigns aimed at children and adolescents – the rule gained strength after the death of a 15-year-old boy who was running on a bus. In São José do Rio Preto (SP), the bet was on awareness: the city determined that buses display, on the rear bumper, stickers warning that the maneuver is a crime and can kill.
