Did you know that e-scooters within CONTRAN Resolution 996/2023 limits (up to 1,000 W and 32 km/h) don't require license plates, registration, or a driver's license? Great. But that doesn't make them immune to fines. Since October 2026, cities like São Paulo have started ticketing e-scooter riders for violations, and penalties under Brazil's Traffic Code (CTB) range from R$ 130.16 (approximately USD 26) to R$ 880.41 (approximately USD 176).
The confusion is common: many people think that being exempt from documentation means being free from traffic rules. It doesn't. An e-scooter is an electric mobility vehicle subject to the same location, time, and speed restrictions as any other equipment on the streets. In Maringá, Brazil (a city in Paraná state), Municipal Law nº 11.981/2025 reinforces these limitations clearly: bike lanes have a 20 km/h speed limit, sidewalks 6 km/h, and shared transit lanes must have speeds up to 40 km/h.
In this guide, we explain each CTB article that applies to your e-scooter, fine amounts, and how to ride without risking a ticket. Spoiler: it's much simpler than you think.
Article 187 of the CTB: Riding in Unauthorized Locations or Times
This is the article generating the most citations in 2026. It prohibits riding in locations or periods where municipal regulations don't permit it — and Resolution 996 explicitly references it.
What constitutes the violation: leaving the bike lane or cycle track and attempting to use the regular roadway, or riding during hours outside the municipality's permitted window. In Maringá, express lanes and high-speed streets are completely prohibited for e-scooters.
- Classification: Medium-severity violation
- Fine: R$ 130.16 (approx. USD 26)
- Points: 4 points on your driving record (if you hold a driver's license)
The logic is simple: e-scooters have a 32 km/h limit (federal regulation) and 20 km/h in bike lanes (Municipal Law 11.981/2025). If you want to ride at 40, 50, or 60 km/h, you're in the wrong place — or your equipment is modified.
Article 193 of the CTB: Riding on Sidewalks, Bike Lanes, and Prohibited Areas
This is the most severe article for e-scooter users. It prohibits riding on sidewalks, pedestrian pathways, overpasses, bike lanes, cycle tracks, islands, traffic refuges, gardens, central medians, roadsides, lane markings, grass areas, and public parks — EXCEPT where the municipality explicitly authorizes it.
Important: Bike lanes and cycle tracks are permitted in Maringá (Law 11.981/2025), but sidewalks, plazas, and parks are not. Many people get confused and ride on the sidewalk thinking they're safe — result: a serious fine.
- Classification: Severe violation
- Base fine: R$ 293.47 (with 3x multiplier for severe violations: R$ 880.41 / approx. USD 176)
- Points: 7 points on your driving record
The fine reaches R$ 880.41 because the law applies a multiplier for severe violations. This isn't a typo — that's the actual amount.
Unlocking the Speed Limiter Changes Everything: From Self-Propelled Device to Moped
Here's the critical point that changes your legal responsibility. As long as your e-scooter stays within factory limits (up to 1,000 W and 32 km/h), you're classified as operating a "low-speed self-propelled device" — no driver's license, license plate, or registration required.
But if you unlock the limiter, increase power, or make any modification that exceeds these limits, your equipment moves out of the self-propelled category and becomes classified as a moped or light motorcycle. Then you need:
- Registration with Detran (Brazil's traffic authority)
- License plate
- Category A driver's license (minimum)
- Mandatory insurance
And, of course, all CTB fines then double. It's not worth it.
Mandatory Equipment: Bell and Lights
Before we close, let's talk about what your e-scooter must have to be street-legal in Maringá:
- Bell or horn: Clearly audible warning device. Without it: R$ 130.16 fine.
- Rear light: Red light visible up to 100 meters when riding after dark. Without it: R$ 130.16 fine for each missing light.
- Front light: White light visible up to 100 meters. Same fine applies.
- Helmet: Mandatory in Maringá (Law 11.981/2025). Fine: R$ 130.16 and risk of serious head injury.
- Reflectors or reflective tape: On the sides and back. Helps other drivers see you at night.
All Patinep Store e-scooters come from the factory with these items already installed and compliant.