The World Today
Irregular driver's licenses have come under scrutiny following investigations by the Attorney General's Office, the Congress of Mayors, and the Single Vehicle Collection and Revenue Service ( Sucive ). The investigations point to allegedly anomalous issuance of documents for cars and heavy vehicles in Cerro Largo, Artigas, San José, and Río Negro. The warning signal arose in the municipality of Isidoro Noblía and led to cross-checks that now extend to other territories.
Irregular driver's licenses: initial focus and departmental scope
The president of the Congress of Mayors, Nicolás Olivera, maintained that the case of Isidoro Noblía raised a "warning" alarm and prompted additional reviews. According to a document from the Cerro Largo Prosecutor's Office, 399 documents issued there are listed as "presumably anomalous." Even so, the Congress emphasizes the presumption of innocence and avoids generalizations: it is not assumed that all the area's passports are irregular.
Sucive, for its part, incorporated alerts into the system: when one of these suspicious license plates is presented for renewal, payment of fines, or other procedures, the system will flag the file for review. According to the Director of Vehicle Affairs, César García Acosta, the modus operandi detected in Isidoro Noblía has been replicated in other municipalities. Administrative investigations have also been opened, which, if confirmed, could trigger precautionary measures such as the temporary suspension of some permits.
Procedures, case examples, and next steps
Artigas is investigating possible irregularities in municipalities such as Bella Unión, including a case in which an official allegedly issued a license to himself. Artigas is investigating possible irregularities in municipalities such as Bella Unión, including the case of an official who allegedly issued a license to himself. San José, for its part, is reviewing the procedures of foreigners and has already filed a criminal complaint. Meanwhile, Río Negro is analyzing movements to San Javier to obtain permits allegedly without meeting all the requirements. In addition, professional licenses (buses and trucks) are being reviewed to verify that practical tests were taken with vehicles appropriate for each category.
The Attorney General's Office reported evidence of anomalous situations with a potential impact on road safety , which could warrant preventive suspensions while responsibilities are clarified. The Congress of Mayors commissioned the General Directorate of Vehicle Affairs to conduct an administrative investigation, including audits of vehicle files, verification of theoretical and practical exams, and payment traceability. In addition, a list was compiled of individuals who allegedly made transfers or delivered money to obtain the license, as well as of managers and officials allegedly involved.
Olivera insisted on institutional caution: first, the investigations in Cerro Largo , Artigas, San José, and Río Negro will be completed; then, based on the evidence gathered, the filing of new criminal charges will be evaluated. Meanwhile, Sucive will maintain active alerts so that any transaction related to irregular driver's licenses will trigger the corresponding checks, with the aim of organizing the system, preventing fraud, and protecting those who drive according to the rules.
