The new rules on the movement of mopeds on public roads came into effect this Thursday (1st). The requirements of the National Traffic Council (Contran) apply to the whole of Brazil. They are: the need for the National Motor Vehicle Registry (Renavam), registration and annual licensing of the vehicle and the driver’s license.
Mopeds are two- or three-wheeled vehicles with an internal combustion engine of up to 50 cylinders (popularly called fifty) or with an electric motor with a maximum power of 4 kilowatts (kW) and with a manufacturing speed limited to 50 kilometers/hour (km/h).
Vehicles that exceed these limits (displacement, power or speed) are classified as motorcycles, scooters or tricycles and already have the respective rules defined in the Brazilian Traffic Code (CTB).
Registration, registration and licensing
Mopeds must be registered and licensed, in accordance with articles 13 and 14 of the resolution.
- New vehicles: must leave the store with an invoice and pre-registration with Renavan carried out by the manufacturer or importer.
- old vehicles (manufactured or imported before the resolution): the moped may not have the chassis number or VIN (Vehicle Identification Number), the 17-character code that serves as the vehicle’s unique identity, with information about its manufacture, model and year.
If you do not have an original registration, you will need to obtain the Vehicle Safety Certificate (CSV), record the chassis number (VIN), take the invoice for the asset and the driver’s identity document.
The CSV is issued after a vehicle inspection carried out by Licensed Technical Institutions (ITLs) accredited by the National Institute of Metrology, Quality and Technology (Inmetro).
The Traffic Code (CTB) requires the moped driver to have the Authorization to Drive Mopeds (ACC) or National Driving License (CNH) in category A, a more comprehensive document that authorizes the citizen qualified to drive two or three-wheeled motor vehicles, of any engine capacity.
Mandatory equipment
The use of a helmet is mandatory for both the driver and passenger of mopeds.
These vehicles must be equipped with the mandatory equipment established in the Traffic Code (CTB) and by Contran. Among them:
- electronic speed limiting device;
- doorbell;
- front, rear, side and pedal night signaling;
- left side rear view mirror; and
- tires in minimum safety conditions
Circulation rules
By the rules for riding a moped on public roads:
- It is prohibited to ride on cycle paths or sidewalks. Mopeds must move on the street, preferably in the center of the right lane.
- It is prohibited to drive on rapid transit roads: they cannot drive on roads without direct intersections or traffic lights, unless there is a shoulder or dedicated lanes.
Penalties
According to the Resolution No. 996/2023driving a moped without a license or registration, the vehicle license constitutes a very serious infraction, under penalty of a fine of R$ 293.47; seven points on the National Driving License (CNH); in addition to the retention of the moped by the authorities and collection of the vehicle to the Detran yard.
