Brazil strengthens transport safety with mandatory cargo insurance and revised driver point rules

Effective 1 July, Brazil's National Land Transport Agency (ANTT) required all road cargo carriers to prove they have the mandatory liability policies – RCTR‑C for cargo loss or damage, RC‑DC for theft or disappearance, and RC‑V for third‑party vehicle injuries. Carriers that cannot demonstrate coverage will have their registration in the National Register of Road Cargo Transporters (RNTRC) suspended, halting operations. The change aims to protect cargo owners, reduce financial losses from accidents or theft, and supports a growing insurance market that recorded R$ 47.63 billion in premiums in the first four months of 2026.

Separately, the Brazilian traffic authority clarified that the 40‑point threshold for professional drivers with the EAR (Exercício de Atividade Remunerada) observation on their licence remains unchanged. While the 2026 Contran Resolution 1.020/2025 standardises administrative procedures for licence suspensions, the point limits set by Law 14.071/2020 still apply: 40 points for drivers without gravíssima infractions, with lower limits for those with severe violations. The EAR exception continues to allow professional drivers – such as truckers, taxi and app drivers, and bus operators – to face suspension only after reaching 40 points, reflecting their higher exposure on the roads.