Transportation voucher in Brazil: who is entitled, the 6% deduction and what the employer cannot do

*Every employee who uses public transport to commute between home and work is entitled to the transportation voucher (vale-transporte, Law 7,418/1985). The employer can deduct at most 6% of base salary and pays the rest. The benefit is not salary: it is not included in the calculation of vacation, 13th salary or FGTS.*

Quick summary

• Who is entitled: employees, including domestic and temporary workers, who use public transport between home and work.
• Maximum deduction: 6% of base salary (not of total pay).
• If the cost is less than 6%, the deduction is limited to the benefit's value.
• Not salary: not reflected in vacation, 13th salary or FGTS (the Severance Indemnity Fund).
• A false declaration or misuse of the benefit is serious misconduct.

How the deduction works

Example: base salary of R$ 2,000 and fares of R$ 220 for the month.

1. 6% of R$ 2,000 = R$ 120 (maximum deduction).
2. The employer pays the other R$ 100.

If fares cost R$ 90, the deduction will be R$ 90, not R$ 120.

Common situations

• Cash payment: the rule is delivery as a voucher or card; cash payment, when it happens, does not turn the benefit into salary.
• Home office: on remote work days there is no commute; the employer may adjust the benefit to in-office days — see Home office.
• Own car or motorcycle: the law covers public transport; fuel allowances depend on an agreement or collective rule.
• Absences: the employer may stop providing the voucher for days not worked.
• Insufficient voucher: if the employer counts fewer fares than you use, ask in writing for a correction.

Step by step to request it

1. Fill in the declaration with your address and the lines you use.
2. Update it whenever you move or change route.
3. Check the deduction on your payslip — see How to read your payslip.
4. If the employer refuses, contact the union or file a complaint with the Ministry of Labor.

Frequently asked questions

Can I decline the transportation voucher to avoid the deduction?

Yes. The benefit depends on the employee's choice.

Can the employer deduct more than 6%?

No. The limit is 6% of base salary.

Can an unpaid transportation voucher be claimed in court?

Yes, as reimbursement of expenses, with proof of public transport use.

Read more in this series

• Meal and food vouchers: rules
• How to read your payslip
• Deductions from salary: what the employer can deduct
• Transfer of workplace
• Index: complete guide to labor rights