# Brazil traffic enforcement regulation updates

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/brazil-traffic-enforcement-regulation-updates
> Updated: 2026-08-26T22:26:07.000Z. Sources: 73. Developments: 4.

Brazil’s National Traffic Council (Contran) has updated the enforcement rules for ‘Lei Seca’ (Drunk Driving Law), replacing guidelines that had been in place since 2013. The new regulations, established through Resolution No. 031/2026, introduce a preliminary screening phase or ‘pre-test’ that serves as an indicative step but cannot be the sole basis for legal charges. If a pre-test indicates alcohol presence, drivers must undergo standard confirmatory procedures like a breathalyzer test.

Roadside inspections have expanded to include the detection of various psychoactive substances using Inmetro-certified saliva-based devices known as ‘drogômetros’. These devices provide qualitative results for up to 12 substances, including cocaine, amphetamines, MDMA, LSD, fentanyl, morphine, and cannabis (specifically Delta-9-THC), though they cannot detect CBD or measure specific concentration levels. Because these tests do not measure psychomotor capacity or exact consumption timing, officers may also rely on observing physical signs of impairment, clinical examinations, or supplementary evidence such as video recordings.

In Rio Grande do Sul, new requirements for driver's licenses take effect in September. Candidates applying for their first license in categories A (motorcycle) and B (car) must undergo a toxicological exam involving hair or body hair to detect drug use within the last 90 days. This requirement, previously reserved for professional drivers in categories C, D, and E, requires a negative result from Senatran-accredited laboratories for permit issuance.

Concurrently, the Senate is considering Bill 1.229/2024. Authored by Senator Fabiano Contarato, the bill seeks to mandate toxicological and alcohol testing following traffic accidents and proposes stricter criminal penalties, such as making involuntary manslaughter committed under the influence of drugs or alcohol a non-bailable offense.

## Claims

- Contran approved new rules for 'Lei Seca' (Drunk Driving Law) enforcement procedures. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- The new resolution defines new criteria for the use of enforcement equipment. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- The resolution establishes a screening phase during traffic enforcement operations. (single source)
- The rules now expressly regulate the use of devices to detect psychoactive substances beyond alcohol. (single source)
- Resolution No. 031/2026 revokes the previous Resolution No. 432/2013. (single source)
- Traffic agents must prioritize the use of device-based testing. (single source)
- Senate Bill 1.229/2024 proposes mandatory alcohol and toxicological testing in the event of traffic accidents. (single source)
- The proposed bill would make involuntary manslaughter while driving under the influence non-bailable. (single source)

## Timeline

### 2026-08-26: Contran updates Brazil's 'Lei Seca' enforcement rules

Brazil's Contran has updated 'Lei Seca' rules to include standardized testing for psychoactive substances and improved enforcement protocols, while new Senate legislation seeks stricter penalties.

6 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/contran-updates-brazils-lei-seca-enforcement-rules-1

### 2026-08-23: Brazil expands traffic enforcement with drug detection technology

Brazil is expanding traffic enforcement via new CONTRAN regulations, introducing saliva-based drug detection devices and requiring toxicological exams for new category A and B drivers in Rio Grande do Sul.

10 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/brazil-expands-traffic-enforcement-to-include-drug-detection-tests

### 2026-08-21: Brazil regulates saliva-based drug testing for traffic enforcement

Brazil has regulated the use of saliva-based “drogômetros” to detect psychoactive substances during traffic stops, a move that allows for qualitative testing of substances like cocaine and THC.

5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/brazil-regulates-saliva-based-drug-testing-for-traffic-enforcement

### 2026-08-19: Contran updates Brazil's Lei Seca enforcement rules

Brazil's Contran has updated 'Lei Seca' rules, introducing preliminary alcohol screening and the use of certified devices to detect psychoactive substances during traffic stops.

56 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/brazil-updates-lei-seca-rules-to-include-drug-testing

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Cite as: Brazil traffic enforcement regulation updates. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/brazil-traffic-enforcement-regulation-updates
