5 myths about speed cameras and speeding that, if you believe, get you a fine

Among the most common fines in Brazil, the speeding ticket stands out, which, despite being well known, is still the subject of a lot of confusion. These incorrect interpretations and myths cause many drivers to be caught off guard and end up being penalized.

The fine for driving at a speed higher than the allowed limit has different ‘types’ and can be applied by fixed or mobile radars and electronic speed bumps. In this article you can check out five mistaken ‘guesses’ about the speeding infraction and how the punishments work for each case.

SEE ALSO:

• Speeding fine; see values and penalties
• How to know the speed limit of the road even without signs
• You commit these 5 infractions every day and you don’t even realize it

1. Exceeding the speed limit by 10% does not give a fine

Many people believe in the “10% tolerance” rule, but the truth is that this logic is quite wrong, because the law does not tolerate speeding. In reality, traffic agencies take into account that the accuracy of the radar is not 100%.

Therefore, the so-called “considered speed” is used in the framing, which is different from the number recorded by the device. According to item 2.3.3 of the Technical Metrological Regulation approved by Inmetro Ordinance No. 158 of 2022, speed meters, whether fixed, static or portable, have a margin of error of:

• 7 km/h for speeds up to 100 km/h;
• 7% for speeds above 100 km/h.

So the question arises: if I’m at 67 km/h and pass a 60km/h limit radar, I won’t be fined, right? Not quite.

This rule established by Inmetro takes into account a possible technical failure of the device, so if you pass the radar a little faster than allowed and this coincides with an error of the device, which is expected and provided for by law, you will be fined. Therefore, it is better not to count on luck and ride within the allowed speed.

2. There is no speeding violation with an empty highway or at dawn

Apart from the mobile radars, which are operated by traffic agents, the fixed devices do not have operating hours and remain on 24 hours a day, unlike some traffic lights, which are flashing yellow at night.

So make no mistake, even if your car is the only car on the road or is driving during very low traffic hours, you will still get a fine if you exceed the speed limit.

3. Radar does not fail and cannot be disputed

Although many people doubt the operation of measuring devices, there are also those who believe that they are infallible, that because they are machines they do not fail. However, this is not true, the radar can make mistakes, and it fails more than most imagine.

Many fines recorded have already been canceled for irregularities in the equipment that was ‘expired’. This is because the radars need to be checked by Inmetro every 12 months, but several ‘go unnoticed’ by the authorities and remain operating without this verification, with technical problems or even outside the requirements. When there are any of these irregularities, the fine must be canceled.

4. Speeding ticket doesn’t need a photo

In addition to being subject to errors, the assessment of measuring devices needs to follow some rules to be valid. One of the main ones is that the traffic ticket for speeding must be accompanied by a photo in which the license plate of the offending vehicle is visible.

If there is no photo or the image of the license plate does not appear legibly, the fine can be canceled. Be smart, every speeding ticket is automatically valid, but always remember to check that everything is in order, as you can appeal and seek your rights.

5. Radar “wipes you out” if you’re running late or in an emergency

The fifth and final myth about speeding is that you can get away with a ticket if you have a justification, such as a delay or emergency. You can even try to appeal, but it will be a waste of time, as the law does not accept personal haste as a justification.

Only emergency vehicles such as ambulances, fire department and police cars that are in service can legally exceed the limit.

What are the amounts of the speeding fine

According to Article 218 of the CTB, it is a traffic violation “to travel at a speed higher than the maximum allowed for the location, measured by an instrument or skilled equipment, on highways, rapid transit routes, arterial roads and other roads”.

The text also provides that being rushed in traffic can constitute from a medium infraction to a very serious one with suspension of the National Driver’s License (CNH). Check out the categories, punishments and amounts of speeding fines.