PERCEPTIONS ABOUT THE BRAZILIAN TRAFFIC CODE: CONTRIBUTION TO THE EFFECTIVENESS OF THE LAW FOR THE BENEFIT OF THE CLIMATE

The burning of fossil fuels for vehicle movement is one of the main sources of toxic gases that affect the greenhouse layer and contribute to global warming and climate change. The Brazilian Traffic Code (CTB), Law No. 9,503/1997, establishes that driving vehicles emitting smoke, gases, or particles above the levels set by CONTRAN is a serious offense, subject to a fine and retention of the vehicle until regularization. This study aims to analyze the perception of traffic agents about the aforementioned device, evaluating the effectiveness of the law and the efficiency of public administration in mitigating greenhouse gases (GHG) generated from means of transport. The deductive method and a qualitative-quantitative approach are used, with theoretical analysis of climate change and the contribution of the transport sector to GHG emissions, in addition to the collection of primary data using a structured questionnaire. The results show that most agents do not have technical knowledge or equipment to measure vehicle emissions. Although they recognize the benefits of monitoring these emissions for the climate and health, such deficiencies make the applicability of the law questionable. The perception of traffic agents made it possible to identify gaps of a structural, human nature and also in relation to the design of legislation, aspects that, if they were remedied, could result in greater efficiency in public administration and enable the effectiveness and efficacy of that expected in relation to the slowdown in global warming and its repercussions on the climate.