If you ride an electric scooter in Maringá and often head out after dark, pay attention: night signaling is no longer a 'recommended' accessory—it became mandatory in 2026. CONTRAN Resolution 996/2023 (from Brazil's National Traffic Council) is now fully in effect, and together with Municipal Law 11.981/2025, it requires every scooter to have a working headlight or taillight to ride at night. Riders without this equipment—plus a speedometer and a bell—can be fined. And there's more: integrated checkpoints run by the municipal guard and traffic police are watching for anyone who removes the speed limiter or rides irregularly. In practice, this means you need to ensure your scooter leaves the store with all safety items in place—and that they actually work. In this guide, we explain what the law requires, how enforcement works in 2026, and how to avoid trouble.
What does CONTRAN Resolution 996/2023 require for your scooter?
The federal regulation classifies electric scooters and unicycles as 'low-speed mobility equipment'—the so-called self-propelled vehicles. For this category, no driver's license (CNH), license plate, or registration is required. However, the vehicle must have, as mandatory items: a speed indicator (speedometer), a bell, and night signaling (headlight or taillight). Without these, riding is considered irregular and you could be flagged at a checkpoint.
Local rules: Maringá's Municipal Law 11.981/2025
In addition to the federal rule, Maringá has its own regulations. Municipal Law 11.981/2025 sets limits: a maximum of 20 km/h on bike lanes and cycle tracks, and 6 km/h on sidewalks, squares, and parks. Wearing a helmet is also mandatory. Night signaling is also a required item, so there’s no loophole: no headlight, no night riding—even in low-speed areas.
Enforcement in 2026: What do checkpoints check?
With CONTRAN 996 fully in effect, integrated checkpoints run by municipal guards and traffic police have stepped up. The focus is on modified scooters—especially those with the speed limiter removed. If a vehicle is caught exceeding 32 km/h, it automatically changes category to a moped (ciclomotor). In that case, a Category A driver's license, license plate, and helmet are required. Without a license, the vehicle is confiscated. Additionally, missing night signaling is grounds for a fine even within speed limits.
Self-propelled or moped? Know the limits
To avoid surprises, here’s what defines a self-propelled vehicle: nominal 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. If any of these limits is exceeded, the scooter is no longer self-propelled and becomes a moped, subject to all motor-vehicle requirements.
How to prepare for night riding in Maringá
Before you head out, check that the headlight and taillight are working. Bring a spare battery or charge along the way if needed. Respect speed limits—6 km/h on sidewalks and 20 km/h on bike lanes. And remember: riding with a passenger is forbidden, and the minimum age is 14 (some cities raise it to 16 or 18).
Where to buy a scooter with night signaling in Maringá?
At Patinep Store, all scooters from the Foston, Bee Green, Panda, and Goo Elétricos brands leave the store with working night signaling, speedometer, and bell—ready for the new enforcement. If you already own an older model, our technical support can install the required equipment. Check out the full lineup and ensure your peace of mind: see scooters with night signaling here.