Commission authorizes tractor traffic on highway shoulders.

The Constitution, Justice and Citizenship Committee of the Chamber of Deputies approved a bill that allows tractors to circulate on the shoulder and part of the lanes of highways, when necessary, without encroaching on the oncoming lane.

The text also authorizes agricultural vehicles or vehicle combinations exceeding the size and weight limits set by the National Traffic Council to travel on highways, provided they comply with the agency's regulations.

The rapporteur, Deputy Marussa Boldrin (MDB-GO), advocated for specific criteria for the circulation of this equipment. According to her, current legislation only addresses sporadic situations and ignores the routine of the agricultural sector, which requires frequent travel during planting, cultivation, and harvesting.

Boldrin stated that the requirement for a Special Transit Authorization for each trip creates excessive bureaucracy that is inadequate for the needs of the countryside. The rapporteur highlighted the need to guarantee safety for rural producers and other users of public roads.

The approved text serves as a substitute and unifies six proposals: PLs 8841/17, 4223/20, 3239/23, 3596/23, 3717/23 and 4900/23. The original bill, PL 724/03, by former congressman Milton Monti, was ultimately rejected.

The proposal will now be analyzed by the full Senate. For it to become law, it needs approval from both the Chamber of Deputies and the Senate.