Summary Brazil's Senate has approved legislation to toughen punishment of drunk drivers.
SAO PAULO: The Senate s website says the measure approved Tuesday night doubles automatic fines on motorists caught driving under the influence from 958 reals ($479) to 1,916 reals ($958).
It also allows the use of methods other than breathalyzers to prove drivers are drunk. Photographs, videos, witness testimony and lab tests can also be used.
President Dilma Rousseff is expected to sign the measure into law before the end of the year.
Brazil s Federal Highway Police Department says 345 people were killed last year in motor vehicle accidents caused by drunken drivers.
