Why do Brazilians ignore anti-drunk driving laws? The simple answer is that while they've been made stiffer, they simply aren't severe enough to really hit drinking drivers where it hurts most - IN THEIR WALLET. Also there are just too many ways to get around the law.
The single largest barrier to compliance with the "Lei Seca" is the Supreme Court's interpretation of the Federal Constitution which gives everyone the right to remain silent. The Constitution actually uses those exact words. Yet, the Federal Supreme Court chooses to interpret that as the right to not provide any incriminating evidence against oneself (something that is often ignored by the courts for poor citizens, but never for the well heeled). Unlike in North America where both the United States and Canada have consitutional guarantees against being compelled to make statements that incriminate oneself, courts have always interpreted this to mean statements made to police (following reading of one's rights) or statements made under oath at trial. There is no constitutional protection which permits refusal to provide a breath or blood sample anywhere in North America. If one refuses it is tantamount to pleading guilty at trial. In Brazil no, only fools agree to breath or blood testing here so there is no forced compliance.
The fines and other penalties for drunk driving in Brazil still aren't severe enough to even make a dent (pun intended) in the problem so the carnage continues.
Let's make a comparison:
Brazil
Fine: R$1.915,00 Minimum Jail Time: NONE Licence Suspension: 1 year Applies to: Motorist actually caught driving
Arizona, USA - strictest in the USA
First offence - Fine: US $1460.00 (BRL 3.220.54) Minimum Jail Time: 24 hours - 30 days, Licence Suspension: 1 year
Second offence - Fine: US $3410.00 (BRL 7.521,85) Minimum Jail Time: 30 - 90 days, Licence Suspension: 1 year
Third offence - Fine: US $4610.00 (BRL 10.167,39) Minimum Jail Time: 4 months, Licence Suspension: 1 year.
Also, due to the legal definition of what constitutes a vehicle in most jurisdictions in North America the anti-drunk driving laws apply to anyone operating any kind of motor vehicle, water or air craft, bicycle or even riding a horse or using an electric wheelchair or mobility scooter.
They also apply to anyone who has "care and control" of a vehicle, so even though the car is not running if the keys are in the ignition one can be charged and convicted.
It is noteworthy that the civil laws are considerably different as well. For example, in North America anyone who provides the alcoholic beverage (bar / host of a party / etc.) can be held liable for damages if they allow someone under the influence of alcohol to operate a vehicle. Here in Brazil they are not held liable for anything. In North America, people take this responsability very seriously and don't risk letting their guests drive drunk.
Will things ever change here in Brazil? Not likely, given the fact that many of the very same politicians who've created these laws or charged with enforcement, the rich, celebrities and sports greats have been caught in "Lei Seca" roadblocks frequently and manage to escape punishment. Perhaps if drunk drivers start killing of family members of Brazil's lawmakers they might change, but don't count on that.
Cheers,
William James Woodward Brazil Animator, Expat-blog Team