2023-05-28 13:57:14
Drivers on duty, it’s important to keep an eye out. About a month ago, a Brazilian law came into force that imposes more severe punishments for those who alter or remove car license plates and chassis, or other vehicle identification signs.
Law No. 14,562 makes it illegal to modify the identifiers of non-automotive vehicles, which include trailers, semi-trailers and electric vehicles. The most recent version of the text amends Article 311 of the Penal Code, which previously considered only tampering with motor vehicles a crime. Before, the penalty was imprisonment from 3 to 6 years, in addition to a fine.
According to information provided by the Federal Government, the new law aims to fill a “legislative gap”, which made it difficult to punish criminal organizations involved in the sale of trailers.
All of this was a big problem at the time of punishment, mainly for not being able to prove evidence.
Furthermore, the lack of adequate legislation was hampering the progress of criminal proceedings related to these practices. Other forms of adulteration were also experiencing problems, the government says.
Now, the new law provides for a more severe prison sentence, from 4 to 8 years, also accompanied by a fine, when the practice is related to irregular commercial or industrial activities. This update seeks to strengthen the punishment for these types of conduct, aiming to curb and combat illicit practices in the sector.
With the approval of this law, Brazilian justice expects to be able to deal more effectively with these crimes and ensure the accountability of those involved, in addition to guaranteeing the necessary security for this type of action.
Photo: Mikbiz – Shutterstock / Playback
Who do the new penalties apply to?
In addition to those who perform adulteration, the law also covers public officials who collaborate in the licensing process. Likewise, those who help in the registration of rebranded or adulterated vehicles, by improperly providing official materials or information.
The typification of the conduct of third parties who acquire, receive, possess instruments or other objects intended for counterfeiting was also added. Tampering with vehicle identification signs is also part of this issue, and may result in severe punishment.
The penalty is also applied to the receiver of the vehicle, covering the conduct of those who misuse the car. As dictated by law, this fits for those who “acquire, receive, transport, convey, conceal, keep in deposit […] or in any way use, for their own benefit or that of others“.
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