How do I get the CAT for an electric moped?

The manufacturer must issue the CAT for vehicles made after July 2023. You'll need the invoice and declaration of origin with engine power. Then, go to Detran with the CAT and other documents.

What is the fine for riding a moped without registration or CAT?

It's a very serious infraction: a fine of R$ 293.47 and 7 points on your license. If you don't have a driver's license, the vehicle is also seized and towed.

Is every electric scooter considered a moped?

No. Only if it has a motor above 1 kW or a top speed above 32 km/h. Above that, it's a moped and requires CAT, registration, and a driver's license.

CAT Certificate for E-Scooters in Brazil: What It Is & How to Get It in 2026

Q: What is the CAT certificate for mopeds?

It is a document issued by the manufacturer that proves the vehicle meets traffic regulations. Without it, the moped cannot be registered at Detran or ridden legally.

Q: What changed in 2026 for mopeds?

Since January 1, 2026, every moped can only ride with Renavam registration, plate, and annual licensing. The CAT is required to obtain that registration.

Since January 1, 2026, every moped – electric or combustion – can only circulate legally in Brazil. To do so, you must have the Certificate of Compliance with Traffic Legislation (CAT), along with registration in Renavam, license plate, and annual licensing. If you own an electric scooter with a throttle or a 50cc motorcycle, this applies to you.

The CAT is essentially a document issued by the manufacturer proving that the vehicle meets traffic regulations. Without it, you can't register your moped at Detran – and riding without registration is a very serious infraction, with a fine of R$ 293.47 (approx. USD 55) and 7 points on your license.

Here at Patinep Store, in Maringá, we've received many questions about this. So we put together a practical, straightforward guide so you understand everything about the CAT in 2026, without bureaucracy.

What is the CAT Certificate?

The CAT is a document attesting that a moped complies with Brazilian traffic legislation. It is issued by the manufacturer or importer and contains information such as brand, model, version, and engine power.

Since January 2026, the CAT is mandatory for any moped, whether new or not yet registered. It is one of the requirements to obtain the brand/model/version code from Detran and, consequently, registration and license plate.

Who needs the CAT?

All vehicles classified as mopeds need the CAT. According to the law, mopeds are 2- or 3-wheeled vehicles with:

Combustion engine up to 50cc
Electric motor up to 4 kW
Factory max speed up to 50 km/h

In practice, this includes many electric scooters with throttle that exceed the limits of self-propelled devices (1 kW and 32 km/h). If your scooter has more power or speed than that, it's a moped – and you need the CAT.

In Maringá, it's common to see people using these models to commute to work. If you have one, you need to get regularized in 2026.

How to get the CAT and register your moped?

The process starts with the manufacturer. For vehicles manufactured or imported after July 3, 2023, the CAT is issued directly by the manufacturer, which also provides the brand/model/version code. You'll need the invoice and the declaration of origin stating the engine power.

Then, go to your state's Detran with the following documents:

Invoice or declaration of origin
Owner's document with CPF or CNPJ
CAT issued by the manufacturer
Specific brand/model/version code
Inspection report with the engine number

For models before July 2023, the manufacturer may not have generated the code. In that case, you need to check with Detran to see if regularization is possible. If not, the vehicle cannot be ridden.

What happens if you ride without CAT?

The penalties are heavy. Riding a moped without registration, license, or plate is a very serious infraction: fine of R$ 293.47 (approx. USD 55) and 7 points on your license. If you also don't have a license (ACC or category A), it gets worse: in addition to the fine, the vehicle is seized and towed to the impound lot.

In 2026, enforcement is stricter. The advice is to regularize everything before riding. Here in Maringá, Patinep Store already counsels customers who bought scooters without knowing this rule – don't make that mistake.

Electric scooters: when do they become mopeds?

Many people buy an electric scooter thinking it's a “toy.” But the rule is clear: if the motor has more than 1 kW or the top speed exceeds 32 km/h (self-propelled limit), it is classified as a moped.

For example: a scooter with a 2 kW motor and a top speed of 45 km/h is a moped. It needs CAT, registration, plate, licensing, and a driver's license. If you're riding that kind of scooter and haven't regularized it, you're at risk.

What changed in 2026 for mopeds?

The main change is that, since January 1, 2026, all mopeds must have a Renavam registration, license plate, and annual licensing to circulate. The CAT is a prerequisite for that registration. This applies to both electric and combustion mopeds. If you bought a scooter before this date and haven't registered, you must do so now.

For Maringá, the process is the same as in other cities, but the local Detran branch will handle your documents. We recommend bringing everything in one go: invoice, CAT, proof of origin, and your ID. This avoids delays.

If you're still unsure whether your scooter requires the CAT, stop by Patinep Store. Our team will help you identify what you need, free of charge.