Driver Caught Driving with 21-Year-Expired License

Quick Summary

On the morning of Wednesday, December 24, the Federal Highway Police (PRF) intercepted a driver in Abreu e Lima who had been operating a vehicle with a license expired for over two decades. The traffic stop occurred at kilometer 49 of BR-101 during the 'Operation Rodovida Natal' enforcement initiative.

Upon checking the driver's credentials, officers found that the individual had not renewed their Carteira Nacional de Habilitação (CNH) since 2004. Further inspection of the pickup truck revealed that its registration had been expired since 2020. The driver, described as 51 years old, was transporting iron reinforcing bars at the time of the stop.

The PRF issued administrative citations for both violations. The driver faces fines for driving with an expired license and for the vehicle's overdue registration. Both infractions are considered 'gravíssimas,' the most severe category under Brazilian traffic law, carrying a fine of R$ 293.47 each. The pickup truck was impounded to the PRF facility to await proper regularization before it can be released.

The Traffic Stop Operation 🚓

The incident took place during a routine enforcement action in the Greater Recife area. Federal Highway Police officers were conducting checks as part of the 'Operation Rodovida Natal' when they signaled a pickup truck to stop. The vehicle was carrying a load of vergalhões de ferro (iron reinforcing bars), a common construction material.

During the standard documentation check, the discrepancy regarding the driver's status was immediately apparent. The PRF confirmed in an official statement that the driver had not updated their driving credentials in 21 years. The last valid renewal date was established as 2004, meaning the driver had been operating vehicles illegally for two full decades.

The location of the stop was specifically identified as kilometer 49 on the BR-101 highway within the municipality of Abreu e Lima. This area is a major transit artery in the region, making it a focal point for traffic safety operations, particularly during holiday periods.

Vehicle and License Violations 🚨

The investigation into the vehicle's status revealed a second major compliance failure. The pickup truck itself had not been licensed since 2020, meaning the registration had been expired for five years at the time of the stop. This compounded the legal issues facing the 51-year-old motorist.

The PRF categorized both offenses as infrações gravíssimas (very serious infractions). Under Brazilian traffic regulations, these violations carry significant penalties:

• Driving with an expired license (over 30 days)
• Operating a vehicle with overdue registration
• Impoundment of the vehicle until regularization

Consequently, the authorities levied fines totaling R$ 586.94 (R$ 293.47 per infraction). Furthermore, the pickup truck was not permitted to remain on the road. It was towed to the PRF impound lot, where it will remain until the registration and licensing issues are resolved by the owner.

Legal Consequences and Impoundment

The PRF emphasized that the driver was formally cited for the violations. The agency did not release the driver's name, adhering to standard protocols for administrative traffic infractions that do not involve immediate criminal charges or accidents.

The requirement to remove the vehicle from the road highlights the strict enforcement of vehicle safety standards in the region. By impounding the truck, the PRF ensured that the unregistered vehicle would not return to the highway until it met legal requirements.

This case serves as a reminder of the strict scrutiny applied during holiday traffic operations. The 'Operation Rodovida Natal' is designed to ensure safety on the roads, and officers are trained to verify both driver credentials and vehicle documentation thoroughly during stops.