Brazil pushes forward major traffic law reforms

Brazil's National Traffic Secretariat (Senatran) has opened a public consultation on a proposal to make vehicle ownership transfers fully digital. The plan would allow buyers and sellers to sign documents electronically through the CNH app, integrate payment of fees and debts, and issue the electronic registration certificate (CRLV‑e). Contributions to the proposal are accepted until 19 July, after which the National Traffic Council (Contran) will review the regulation.

In parallel, a special commission of the Chamber of Deputies is advancing a comprehensive reform of the Brazilian Traffic Code (CTB). The draft legislation includes a special permit for 16‑year‑old drivers limited to certain vehicle categories and urban hours, regulations for autonomous and semi‑autonomous vehicles, increased practical driving lessons, and the creation of a unified national driver record. The reforms also propose automatic renewal for drivers with clean records and mandatory psychological exams for all renewals.

Both initiatives aim to modernise Brazil's traffic system, reduce bureaucracy, and adapt to new mobility technologies.