The adaptation phase is over. Since January 1, 2026, full enforcement of CONTRAN Resolution No. 996/2023 is active across Brazil. In practice, city halls and DETRANs (state traffic departments) in states like SP, PA, and RS have already intensified spot checks and removal of irregular electric vehicles. If you own a kick scooter or e-scooter, this guide will explain exactly what changed and how to stay fully legal, including here in Maringá.

What changed in 2026 with full enforcement of Contran 996?

As of 2026, anyone outside the technical limits defined in 2023 now faces penalties. This means mopeds and e-bikes with accelerators exceeding allowed limits are now treated as motorized vehicles — with all the resulting requirements.

For electric scooters that comply with the rules, however, nothing changes: still no driver's license, no plate, and no registration needed (CTB Articles 12 and 134-A). The full enforcement is aimed at those who bypassed the rules.

Does an electric scooter need a license and plate? What HAS NOT changed

No. If your scooter qualifies as an Individual Mobility Device (EMI) within the standards, you do not need a driver's license, plate, or registration. The technical requirements are: motor power up to 1,000 W, factory top speed up to 32 km/h, width up to 70 cm, and wheelbase up to 130 cm.

What changed is the enforcement of non-compliance. If your device has a throttle or limits above those numbers, it is no longer considered a scooter but a moped (ciclomotor) — and that changes everything.

Who falls under the moped category in 2026 and what are the requirements?

If your vehicle exceeds the limits above (e.g., speed above 32 km/h or motor more powerful than 1,000 W), the law classifies it as a moped (ciclomotor). For these, requirements are strict and now truly enforced from 2026. You will need a category A driver's license (or ACC), vehicle registration and license plate, annual licensing, and mandatory helmet use. Riding without these now results in fines and vehicle seizure.

Contran 996 fines: what does riding illegally cost in 2026?

Fines are set by the Brazilian Traffic Code (CTB) and are already being applied. Here are the key penalties:

  • Riding on sidewalks or bike lanes without authorization: severe infraction – R$ 880.41 (approx. USD 176) + 7 points on your license.
  • Operating a vehicle without a plate or registration/licensing (when required, e.g., mopeds): R$ 293.47 (approx. USD 59) + 7 points, plus vehicle seizure.
  • Riding a moped without a helmet: R$ 293.47 + 7 points + suspension of driving right.
  • Circulating on roads with speed limits above 40 km/h (where prohibited): R$ 293.47 + 7 points.

Do electric scooters need a driver's license and plate in 2026? (Nothing changed – you keep the exemption)

No. If your scooter is a Personal Mobility Device (PMD) within the legal limits, you do not need a driver's license, license plate, or registration. These requirements (under article 12 of Resolution 996) apply to devices with a motor up to 1,000 W, a factory maximum speed of 32 km/h, width up to 70 cm, and wheelbase requirements. The change in 2026 is that enforcement of these limits is now strict — if you modify or use a device that exceeds these limits, it will be reclassified as a moped (ciclomotor).

What changed in 2026 with the full enforcement of Contran Resolution 996?

Starting in 2026, authorities are enforcing the technical limits defined in 2023. Devices that exceed the 32 km/h speed or 1,000 W motor power are now treated as mopeds (ciclomotores). This means they require a Category A driver's license (or ACC), mandatory registration, license plate, and annual licensing. Riding without these is now subject to fines and vehicle seizure.

Electric scooter license plate requirements in 2026: what you need to know

If your electric scooter (e-scooter) falls within the Individual Mobility Equipment (EMI) category — maximum speed 32 km/h, motor power up to 1,000 W, width up to 70 cm, and wheelbase up to 130 cm — you still do NOT need a license plate or driver's license. However, the equipment itself must have certain safety features: a speed limiter (often called 'sidewalk mode' or 'urban mode'), a bell, and front, rear, and side lighting. These are mandatory and now subject to stricter checks.

Who qualifies as a 'ciclomotor' in 2026 and what are the requirements?

If your vehicle exceeds the limits above (e.g., speed above 32 km/h or motor above 1,000 W), it is legally classified as a moped. Requirements include: a Category A driver's license (or ACC), registration, annual licensing, and mandatory helmet use. Riding without these now leads to fines and impoundment.

Contran 996 fines: how much does it cost to ride illegally in 2026?

Fines are set by the Brazilian Traffic Code (CTB). Here are the most common ones:

  • Riding on sidewalks or unauthorized areas: R$ 880.41 (approx. USD 176) + 7 points on your license
  • Moped without a license plate or proper registration: R$ 293.47 (approx. USD 59) + 7 points, plus vehicle towing
  • No helmet on a moped: R$ 293.47 + 7 points + license suspension
  • Riding on roads with speed limits above 40 km/h: R$ 293.47 + 7 points

How to ride 100% legally in Maringá

Keep your scooter within the technical limits set by CONTRAN (max 32 km/h factory speed, 1,000 W motor, etc.). Additionally, follow Maringá's Municipal Law No. 11,981/2025: speed limits are 20 km/h on bike lanes and only 6 km/h on sidewalks and squares. Never ride on roads with a speed limit above 40 km/h. The law also requires a helmet, bell, speed indicator, and nighttime lighting.

Adapt your scooter for enforcement: bike-lane mode and required equipment

To avoid trouble at checkpoints, your scooter must have a speed limiting device (the so-called 'bike-lane mode'), a bell, and front, rear, and side lighting. These are mandatory for EMIs and are now checked more frequently.

The Patinep Store offers its own technical support to verify if your scooter is fully compliant.