Article 187 of the Brazilian Traffic Code (CTB) penalizes riding in locations or times prohibited by regulation. For e-scooters and electric scooters, this violation can result in a fine of up to R$ 880.41 (approximately USD 176) — a significant amount that increases when the conduct is classified as serious. The good news? It's completely avoidable if you know the rules and ride in the right places. In Maringá (a city in Brazil's southern Paraná state), regulations are clear, and Patinep Store — as a specialist in the market for 6+ years — prepared this guide to ensure you never face this fine.
Article 187 gained national attention in October 2026 when enforcement operations in São Paulo began applying the law. But what few know is that the fine varies according to the equipment category and type of violation. In this post, you'll learn exactly where to ride, which speeds to respect, and how to keep your e-scooter legal in Maringá.
What Does Article 187 CTB Say About E-Scooters?
Article 187 is straightforward: it prohibits riding in locations or times not permitted by regulation. For electric scooters, this means no riding on sidewalks (in Maringá), no use of high-speed roads beyond the permitted limit, and respect for municipal time restrictions if they exist.
The fine of R$ 880.41 is applied when the violation is classified as serious — typically when there's clear disregard for safety or repeated offense. CONTRAN Resolution 996/2023 (Brazil's National Traffic Council) differentiates equipment: e-scooters up to 1,000W and 32 km/h (like Foston, Bee Green, Panda, and Goo Electric models) are classified as self-propelled devices and don't require a driver's license. Above that, they become mopeds, with much heavier requirements.
Traffic Rules in Maringá: Where You Can (and Cannot) Ride
Maringá has specific regulations under Municipal Law No. 11.981/2025, complemented by a City Hall decree (May 2026). The rules are direct:
- Bike lanes and cycle paths: PERMITTED — maximum speed 20 km/h (12 mph)
- Sidewalks: PROHIBITED (per municipal decree 2026)
- Plazas and parks: permitted with maximum speed 6 km/h (4 mph)
- Shared traffic roads: only on streets with speed limit up to 40 km/h (25 mph)
- High-speed roads and above 60 km/h: PROHIBITED
In summary: prioritize bike lanes. If no bike lane is available, use calm streets with speed limits up to 40 km/h. Avoid sidewalks and high-speed roads — that's where Article 187 applies.
Speed and Categories: How to Avoid the Serious Fine
The difference between a regular fine and an R$ 880.41 fine lies in your equipment category. Legal e-scooters (up to 1,000W and 32 km/h per CONTRAN 996/2023) are classified as self-propelled devices and don't face the heaviest penalties — as long as used in correct locations.
Equipment exceeding 1,000W or missing mandatory features is classified differently, and then the fine increases. Foston, Bee Green, Panda, and Goo Electric models from Patinep Store respect these technical limits, keeping you on the safe side of the law.
Important tip: always check if your e-scooter has a speedometer, bell, and night lighting — mandatory equipment in Maringá. If any are missing, you're already breaking the law.
Electric Bikes Also Fall Under Article 187
Article 187 isn't exclusive to e-scooters. Electric bikes riding in prohibited locations face the same fines. CONTRAN Resolution 996/2023 extended the rules to all low-speed electric mobility equipment categories.
If you own an electric bike, the same location and speed rules apply. Always check local regulations before riding.