In 2026, full enforcement of CONTRAN Resolution 996/2023 came into effect, bringing up a question that has many people worried: can City Hall require a driver's license and license plate for an electric scooter? The short answer is no—but there are details you need to know.
Classifying an electric scooter as personal mobility equipment falls exclusively under the federal government's authority (Federal Constitution, Article 22, XI). This means a municipality cannot reclassify the product or create requirements that federal rules do not impose. Cities that have tried to do so are already facing lawsuits.
In this 2026 guide, I'll explain—in clear English—what is fact, what is still controversial, and how you can ride around Maringá without worrying about a ticket. Here at Patinep, we closely monitor every change so you can ride safely and stay informed.
What CONTRAN Resolution 996/2023 Really Says
CONTRAN Resolution 996, dated June 15, 2023, defines a self-propelled vehicle (electric scooter) as equipment with a rated power of up to 1,000 W, a factory-set top speed of up to 32 km/h (20 mph), a width of up to 70 cm, and a wheelbase of up to 130 cm.
These vehicles are exempt from registration, licensing, license plates, and a driver's license—under Article 12 of the resolution and Article 134-A of the Brazilian Traffic Code (CTB). In other words, the federal rule is clear: you do not need vehicle documents or a driver's license.
This applies throughout Brazil. And that is precisely what is causing the confusion we are seeing in 2026.
What Municipal Governments Can—and Cannot—Regulate
Articles 6 and 9 of CONTRAN Resolution 996/2023 give local traffic authorities the power to regulate where and how electric scooters may be used. In other words, City Hall can establish: bike paths at up to 20 km/h (12 mph), sidewalks at up to 6 km/h (4 mph), and roads with speed limits of up to 40 km/h (25 mph).
In Maringá, Municipal Law No. 11.981/2025 follows exactly that approach: 20 km/h (12 mph) on bike paths and bicycle lanes, 6 km/h (4 mph) on sidewalks, and no riding on high-speed roads. Helmet use is mandatory, as are a bell, nighttime lighting, and a speed indicator.
What municipalities CANNOT do is require a driver's license, license plate, registration, or insurance for an electric scooter—because vehicle classification falls exclusively under federal authority. Cities that have tried to cross that line are already facing legal action.
The Case of Rio de Janeiro: Municipal Decree Challenged in Court
In 2026, this dispute produced a real-world case. Rio de Janeiro Municipal Decree No. 57.823/2026 classified self-propelled vehicles operated in a seated position as mopeds, requiring a driver's license, registration, and license plate. The Rio de Janeiro Public Prosecutor's Office filed a civil action challenging the decree for overstepping federal authority.
In other words, this is not just a matter of opinion. The courts themselves are being asked to determine that City Hall cannot create requirements that federal rules do not impose. This is a strong indication that requirements of this kind are unlikely to stand.
For people living in Maringá, the situation is more straightforward: local legislation is aligned with federal rules and does not impose these requirements. Still, it is important to stay informed, because enforcement is becoming more active across Brazil.
What Traffic Enforcement Is Really Checking in 2026
With full enforcement in effect since January 1, 2026, traffic officers are focusing on mandatory equipment and the place where the scooter is being ridden. These include:
- Electronic speed indicator or limiter—so your riding speed can be checked;
- Bell—a simple item, but mandatory;
- Front, rear, and side nighttime lighting—so you can be seen after dark.
If you ride without these items, you may receive a ticket under Articles 187 and 193 of the CTB (using a prohibited area or riding on a sidewalk). These fines are r