If you have an electric scooter or moped with a motor up to 4 kW and a top speed of 50 km/h, the rules change as of January 1, 2026. CONTRAN Resolution 996/2023 goes fully into effect, and what was once optional or flexible is now mandatory: you'll need a CNH (Brazilian driver's license), license plate, registration, and safety equipment. This guide will show you exactly what to do to ride within the law—no surprises, no fines.

What exactly changes with CONTRAN Resolution 996/2023?

It requires that all mopeds—even those manufactured or imported before July 2023—must be registered and licensed with Detran (Brazilian DMV). The vehicle is now treated as a moped, following similar logic to a light motorcycle but with its own set of rules. This means riding without a plate, without a CNH, or without required safety equipment now results in fines, vehicle seizure, and points on your license. Enforcement will be stricter across Brazil, including in cities like Maringá.

Who needs to get the ACC license category?

Anyone driving an electric moped from 2026 on must have the ACC – Authorization to Drive a Moped (Autorização para Conduzir Ciclomotor). This authorization is available to those 18 and older (or 16 with guardian consent). The ACC is simpler and cheaper than a motorcycle CNH, but it does require a theoretical and practical test. If you already have a CNH category B or higher, can you drive a moped? No—the ACC is specific to vehicles up to 50 km/h and 4 kW. Don't confuse it with the motorcycle CNH (category A), which is for vehicles exceeding these limits.

What documents are required and how to get properly registered?

To ride legally, you'll need:

  • License plate (rear, Mercosur standard);
  • CRLV – Certificate of Registration and Licensing, issued by Detran;
  • RENAVAM registration – the vehicle must be registered in the national system;
  • IPVA (vehicle tax) paid – rates vary by state, but now apply to electric mopeds;
  • CRV – Certificate of Vehicle Registration, if you plan to transfer or sell.

Be aware: many municipalities, such as Maringá, also require annual licensing and may charge a fee for issuing the plate. The process is handled at Detran—bring your original ID with CPF (Brazilian taxpayer number), proof of residence, invoice, and the manufacturer's safety certificate.

Mandatory equipment: what to install before you hit the road

Resolution 996/2023 also lists items that must be present on your electric moped. Some are already standard from the factory, but check these:

  • Rearview mirror on the left side (mandatory);
  • Headlight on low beam, even during the day;
  • Tail light, brake light, and hazard lights;
  • Turn signals front and rear (stricter since 2026);
  • Horn;
  • Tires in good condition with a minimum tread depth of 1.6 mm;
  • Speedometer – mandatory since 2025, but now enforced;
  • Helmet for the rider and passenger (if any) – basic safety requirement.

Don't skimp: original or certified equipment makes a difference at inspection and helps avoid fines.

Where can I ride? Limits and restrictions

Does the law allow electric mopeds on urban roads and state highways? Careful: Resolution 996 determines they can only travel on roads with a maximum speed limit of 60 km/h (e.g., local streets, collector roads, and arterial roads with low limits). In municipalities like Maringá, the city can impose additional rules: bike lanes and cycle tracks are allowed, but riding on roads with speed limits above 60 km/h or on expressways, such as beltways, is prohibited.