New traffic rules come into effect this month

Changes to the Brazilian Traffic Code (CTB) come into force now in April 2021. From that date, the validity of the National Driver's License (CNH) is now 10 years and the increase in the number of points required for the suspension of the document will be changed. In addition, new traffic rules require a child seat for children up to 10 years old and the minimum age for a child to ride a motorcycle together.

The changes were sanctioned by our President Jair Bolsonaro in 2020 and had a limit of 180 days to be put into practice. Which means that, from mid-April onwards, drivers will be able to receive fines if they do not update themselves with the new rules and fail to comply with the new determinations. Understand how the most relevant changes are:

New Traffic Law

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Tolerance for CNH suspension

With the new Traffic Law, up to 40 points are now needed to lose your CNH. This number, however, will not be fixed. very serious fines, will have different weights, such as talking on the cell phone while driving, may lead to a decrease in this score, going to 30 or 20 points. See how it works:

The driver may lose his CNH with 20 points achieved, if he has two or more very serious infractions; with 30 points, if there is only 1 very serious infraction; or 40 points, if your points do not contain any serious infraction.

It is worth remembering that, even with the new law, the driver may lose his license if he is charged with more serious infractions, such as Prohibition.

READ MORE:

• How to apply for a Free National Driver's License
• Detran Vehicle Auction
• Find out how to finance a vehicle without a down payment

CNH renewal is another one of the new traffic rules

The validity of the CNH-Carteira Nacional de Habilitação also underwent changes in the new Brazilian Traffic Code. All licenses under the age of 50 are now valid for 10 years. “People aged between 50 and 69 will have to renew their driver's license every five years. From the age of 70, the CNH will only be valid for three years”, explains the expert interviewed.

Mandatory drug test

Road transport drivers classified in category C, D or E, will be obliged to carry out the toxicological test every 2 years. Previously, the period was 5 years.

If the driver does not take the test, he will receive a fine in the amount of R$1467.35 and will also have his CNH suspended for 3 months.

car seat use

The new theme also had changes for those with children. In the case of children up to 10 years old and who are less than 1.45 in height, they must use the car seat. The fine for those who disobey will be R$293.47 and seven points on the license.

children on motorbikes

With the new rules, the age is increased to 10 years. Before, children over seven years old could be taken on the back. The penalty will be R$293.47 for those who carry out improper transport and suspension of the right to drive.

Lighthouse lit during the day

According to the new Traffic Law, the driver must keep the vehicle's headlights on, using low beam:

• at night;
• even during the day, in tunnels and in rain, fog or haze.

Cars that do not have daytime running lights must keep their headlights on on single lane highways located outside urban perimeters. This should happen even during the day.

All other vehicles such as motorcycles, quadricycles, mopeds must use low light during the day and night.

Armor is also among new traffic rules

For armored vehicles, documentation for registration or licensing will not be required.

Payment of fine with discount

If the driver does not present a prior defense, and recognizing the infraction, he will have a discount of 60% from his amount to be paid before the fine expires.

History of the new traffic rules

Jair Bolsonaro personally went to the Chamber of Deputies to present Bill 3267/19, authored by the Executive Branch, which reformulated several articles of the CTB.

In addition to increasing the CNH points limit, the text, which was delivered directly to the mayor, Rodrigo Maia (DEM-RJ), dealt with the following topics:

• Change in the rules for transporting children;
• End of drug test requirement for professional drivers;
• Extension of the validity of the CNH of elderly people from 2 and a half years to 5 years;
• Increased CNH validity from five to 10 years;
• Use of protective equipment for motorcyclists;
• Release of electric bicycles without further requirements.

READ MORE:

• How to apply for a Free National Driver's License
• Detran Vehicle Auction
• Find out how to finance a vehicle without a down payment