Rio Grande do Sul launches refund system for free flow fines

The Department of Autonomous Roads (Daer) and the State Transit Department of Rio Grande do Sul (DetranRS) have introduced an online system to refund drivers for fines related to the electronic free flow toll system that were subsequently annulled. Approximately 527,700 fines are eligible for reimbursement, with an estimated total of R$ 113 million to be returned to motorists.

Drivers who paid fines applied from 2023 and also settled the toll tariff are entitled to the refund. Payments will be processed via Pix, provided the driver's CPF or CNPJ is registered as a bank key. The reimbursement includes the R$ 195 fine amount plus monetary correction. The initiative also aims to compensate for losses related to IPVA, such as the loss of the 'Bom Motorista' discount, and will reverse driver's license suspension processes resulting from these infractions.

Separately, authorities are working on the automatic annulment of fines applied since 2024 to motorists who passed through toll points without barriers and failed to pay the free flow tariff.