In 2008, the Brazilian government began a widespread crackdown on drunk driving. A new law implemented a strategy of setting up a series of temporary and unannounced checkpoints, strategically placed in different cities and major highways, where drivers are stopped at random and required to blow into breathalyzers. In these so-called “blitz” operations, if a driver’s blood alcohol level is not at zero, he/she will be fined, their vehicle will be towed, and have his/her driver’s licence suspended for one year. In more severe cases of intoxication, drivers can face up to three years in jail. Due to its absolute zero-tolerance policy towards alcohol on the road, the law was dubbed the Lei Seca, or “Dry Law.”
The results of Lei Seca
Since the law came into effect in 2008, there has been a 2.4 percent decrease in drunk driving-related incidents. Between 2016 and 2018,...