Brazil moves to link licence plates to owners and digitize car‑sale transfers

A bill under review in Brazil's National Congress (Bill 1995/2022) would detach vehicle licence plates from the car and attach them to the owner. Proposed by Deputy Guiga Peixoto (PSC‑SP), the change would let sellers remove plates at the time of sale, requiring buyers to request new plates linked to their own registration. The aim is to stop former owners from receiving fines or points for infractions incurred after a vehicle changes hands, similar to the system used in several U.S. states.

Separately, the Federal Ministry of Transport is finalising a feature for the CNH Digital mobile app that would allow the entire purchase‑and‑sale process for used cars to be completed on a smartphone. The proposed digital workflow would replace in‑person visits to notaries and DETRAN offices, though its rollout depends on nationwide standardisation of inspection, appraisal and fee procedures across Brazil's states.