Rio de Janeiro Enacts Law to Curb Abuse of Women on Public and Hired Transport

Overview

• The state policy, published Friday, April 17, 2026 in the Diário Oficial, took effect after acting governor Ricardo Couto signed it.
• It authorizes direct fines of up to 10,000 UFIR, about R$49,000, with amounts doubled in public transport or when the victim is a child, an older adult, or a person with a disability.
• The policy applies to drivers and transport staff and orders protocols that put victim care first and tell workers to call police right away during incidents inside vehicles.
• It foresees training so crews can spot risk and act, and it tells Detro to open a complaint and guidance channel for reports.
• The statute broadens harassment to verbal, nonverbal, physical, or digital acts that degrade or intimidate, even outside the vehicle, a change supporters say answers women’s safety concerns.