Six Brazilian banks fined for violating Maranhão queue law

A judge in Maranhão ordered six major banks—Bradesco, Banco do Brasil, Santander, Banco do Nordeste, Banco da Amazônia and HSBC/Múltiplo—to comply with the state’s “Lei da Fila,” which caps waiting time in bank branches at 30 minutes. The court mandated that each bank install ticket systems that record arrival and service times, provide printed or electronic receipts, and display clear information about the time limit and complaint channels. In addition, the banks were ordered to pay R$ 1 million in collective moral damages to the State Fund for the Protection of Diffuse Rights. The decision, issued by Judge Douglas de Melo Martins of the São Luís Diffuse Interests Court, emphasizes that digital transformation does not eliminate the obligation to offer adequate in‑person service and that the duty to maintain the queue‑time limits is continuous.