Bus Driver Caught Driving Without Windshield

On Tuesday, January 30, Federal Highway Police (PRF) stopped a bus driver on BR-158 in Paranaíba, Mato Grosso do Sul, for operating a vehicle in dangerous conditions. The driver was fined approximately R$3,000 and received seven infractions classified as gravíssimas (very serious) under the Brazilian Traffic Code.

The vehicle was missing a windshield and had significant damage from an accident. The driver wore a helmet to protect himself from wind and debris. Additional violations included a damaged bumper, worn tires, and an inoperative tachograph. Police also found the driver's license and toxicology exam had expired more than 30 days prior.

The driver stated he bought the bus online in Jaciara, Mato Grosso do Sul, and drove it 670 kilometers to Bauru, São Paulo, to avoid towing costs. The vehicle was impounded, and the driver was released after providing a statement.

Federal Highway Police conducted a routine inspection on BR-158 in Paranaíba, Mato Grosso do Sul, resulting in the detention of a bus driver traveling in hazardous conditions. The incident occurred on Tuesday, January 30, when officers observed the vehicle operating without basic safety equipment.

During the stop, agents documented multiple critical violations that rendered the vehicle unsafe for road travel. The infractions were categorized as gravíssimas under the Brazilian Traffic Code (CTB), resulting in immediate fines totaling approximately R$3,000. The driver received seven separate infractions for the various safety breaches.

The vehicle lacked a windshield entirely, leaving the driver exposed to environmental hazards. To mitigate the risks, the operator utilized a helmet while driving. This situation was identified by authorities as representing a high-risk scenario for both the driver and other road users.

Police inspection revealed the bus was operating with severe mechanical and structural deficiencies. The vehicle had sustained damage from a previous accident, including a compromised front end and deteriorated tires that failed to meet safety standards.

Specific violations identified by PRF officers included:

• Absence of windshield
• Damage to the bumper
• Worn tires
• Inoperative tachograph

The tachograph is a mandatory device that records vehicle speed and driving time. Its non-functioning status prevented accurate tracking of the driver's hours on the road. Additionally, the driver's documentation was found to be expired. The Carteira Nacional de Habilitação (CNH) had been expired for more than 30 days, and the required toxicology exam was also out of date. These documentation failures legally prohibited the driver from operating the bus on public roads.

Following the detention, the driver provided a statement to Federal Highway Police explaining the circumstances of the journey. He reported purchasing the damaged bus through the internet in Jaciara, Mato Grosso do Sul. The vehicle was already in a compromised state when he acquired it.

The driver admitted to traveling approximately 670 kilometers from the point of purchase toward Bauru, São Paulo. He justified the decision to drive the vehicle rather than arrange for towing, citing the desire to avoid transportation costs and complete repairs in his home city. By the time of the police intervention, he had already completed a significant portion of this journey.

Inspector Fábio Sodré of the PRF addressed the legality of the transaction versus the transport method. He stated, "The problem was the way he decided to transport the vehicle." While the purchase of vehicles in damaged conditions is not uncommon, the method of transport adopted by the driver generated the specific violations and penalties.

The PRF emphasized that operating a vehicle in inadequate conditions compromises the safety of the driver and all other users of the highway. Consequences for such violations can include heavy fines, vehicle impoundment, and other penalties established by law. In this case, the bus was impounded, and the driver was released after the administrative procedures were completed.