Paraguay's Senate approved, with modifications, a bill that lowers the minimum age for digital platform drivers and agricultural tractor operators. The proposal, which amends the National Traffic and Road Safety Law, was initially introduced by Deputy Rubén Roussillón (ANR) and now returns to the Chamber of Deputies for reconsideration due to the changes introduced.
Senator Derlis Maidana (ANR), rapporteur for the Legislation Committee, explained that current law requires 25 years for a professional Class A superior license, 24 years for Class A, 20 years for Classes B and B superior, and 24 years for Class D. Additionally, drivers must hold the previous category license for two years before advancing.
The text approved by deputies proposed reducing these ages to 24, 23, and 19 years depending on the category, and cutting the prior experience requirement from two years to one. The Senate maintained these reductions but introduced a distinction between traditional services and digital platforms.
Taxis and remises will remain in Class A, considered superior professional, while app drivers may operate with a Class B license starting at age 19. Platform activities will continue to be subject to specific legislation and municipal regulations.
Senators also eliminated an article requiring municipalities to offer driving courses, arguing that this overlaps with functions of the National Traffic and Road Safety Agency.
Another significant change was proposed by Senator Natalicio Chase (ANR), leader of the cartista bloc. At his request, the plenary approved lowering the minimum age for obtaining a Class C license, required for operating tractors, from 20 to 18 years. Chase justified that many young people in the productive sector already handle these vehicles.
With the changes, 19-year-olds will be able to work legally as app drivers, and 18-year-olds will be able to operate tractors. The bill has not been definitively enacted and now depends on reconsideration by the Chamber of Deputies.