Does Brazil's zero-tolerance policy towards drunk driving actually work?

Jul 06, 2019 18:42 4 min read

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.”