Brazil Approves Tougher Penalties for Illegal Street Races Near Schools

The Brazilian Chamber of Deputies' Transport and Public Works Commission approved a bill (PL 7235/25) that amends the Traffic Code to increase penalties for illegal street races, known as “rachas”. The proposal raises fines to 15 times the basic amount and adds prison terms when races occur near sensitive sites such as schools, hospitals and passenger stations. For incidents causing serious bodily injury, the new law prescribes 4 to 8 years of imprisonment (up from 3‑6 years); if death occurs, the term can reach up to 12 years. Participants also face driver’s license suspension and vehicle seizure, while organizers and financiers are held liable. The measure now moves to the Constitution and Citizenship Commission and must be approved by the full Chamber and the Senate before becoming law.