Digital CNH update centralizes free-flow toll alerts and payments.

The Ministry of Transport has prepared an update to the digital driver's license app to alert drivers about electronic toll passages and provide a way to pay the fee. The measure seeks to solve issues faced by drivers with the barrier-free model, known as free flow.

How the free-flow system works

In the free-flow system, there is no need to stop at traditional toll booths with barriers to pay the toll. Gantries equipped with cameras are used to identify the license plates of moving vehicles or the signal from tags used for tolls and parking lots.

For vehicles with valid tags stuck to the windshield, the charge is made automatically by the contracted operator. Those who do not have the device must pay the toll through digital channels or physical locations provided by the companies responsible for the highways.

Challenges in billing and issuing fines

The proliferation of free-flow tolls has led to complaints from drivers fined for non-payment. Many drivers reported difficulties in identifying the responsible concessionaire, knowing how much they owed, or finding out how to make the payment within the thirty-day deadline.

Failures in integrating the systems of each company led to the automatic issuance of millions of fines. In total, fourteen companies responsible for highway management have already installed free-flow tolls in the country or replaced traditional toll plazas.

Unification of channels through the digital wallet

To address the lack of a single access channel, the update to the digital driver's license app will centralize all recorded passages on state and federal highways. Drivers with the app installed will receive an alert on their phones informing them of the charge.

The platform will gather information to help the driver identify the concessionaire and access the designated channel to make the payment. Concessionaires have been ordered to connect their systems to the platform.

Deadlines and suspension of penalties

The Ministry of Transport has suspended fines for those who did not pay the electronic toll. A 200-day deadline was established for drivers with outstanding debts to pay off the amounts without the penalty applied for delays exceeding thirty days.

The countdown for this deadline runs until November 16. Payment within the stipulated period waives the fine set for late cases.

With information from Folha de S.Paulo, G1, Campo Grande News.