Sobriety Checkpoints Register 32 Alcohol-Related Offenses Last Weekend in Pará
Detran's actions reinforce the fight against alcohol consumption in traffic. Incidents were recorded in nine municipalities.
Last weekend (28 and 29), the Department of Traffic of the State of Pará (Detran) conducted inspections in several municipalities and registered 32 penalties related to alcohol consumption while driving. The incidents were recorded in Abaetetuba, Ananindeua, Benevides, Marabá, Marituba, Ourilândia do Norte, Parauapebas, Salinópolis, and Santarém.
Of the total, 10 infractions were applied based on Article 165 of the Brazilian Traffic Code (CTB), which characterizes driving under the influence of alcohol as a serious offense, imposing a fine of nearly R$ 3,000 and a 12-month suspension of the driver's license. Another 15 penalties refer to Article 165-A, which punishes drivers who refused to take the breathalyzer test, with the same legal consequences. Additionally, seven drivers will face administrative proceedings for alcohol consumption.
Brazilian legislation is clear regarding penalties. Article 165 provides for a fine multiplied by five times, which can reach ten times in case of reoffending within 12 months, in addition to the confiscation of the driver's license and retention of the vehicle until a qualified driver presents themselves. Article 165-A establishes that refusal to take the breathalyzer test is equivalent to the infraction of driving under the influence of alcohol, and is equally punished. In more severe cases, when the breathalyzer registers a concentration equal to or greater than 0.33 mg/L, the driver may face criminal charges, with the possibility of detention.
The coordinator of Operations and Traffic Inspection at Detran, Ivan Carlos Feitosa, emphasized the importance of the initiative. “These inspections are part of the national policy to reduce traffic crimes and prioritize the preservation of life. We act overtly to curb driving after alcohol consumption. During the approaches, we even recorded an incident on PA-391, where a driver attempted to flee the checkpoint but was intercepted and confirmed to be under the influence of alcohol,” he stated.
The actions are part of the Sobriety Operation, which aims to preserve lives and reduce traffic accidents caused by the combination of alcohol and driving. Detran emphasizes that driving after consuming alcoholic beverages puts not only the driver at risk but all road users, and that inspections will continue to occur overtly throughout the state.
Text: Luis Azevedo – Ascom/Detran
