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Brazil traffic enforcement regulation updates

Updated 3 times since CLSTR started tracking revisions of this situation.

What changed

2026-08-25 15:04 UTC → 2026-08-27 19:22 UTC · added removed

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 regulations, established through Resolution No. 031/2026, introduce a preliminary screening phase, phase or ‘pre-test’, which ‘pre-test’ that serves as an indicative step that but cannot be used as the sole basis for legal charges or fines. charges. If a pre-test indicates alcohol presence, drivers must undergo standard confirmatory procedures like a breathalyzer test. Under Contran Resolution No. 031/2026, roadside Roadside inspections have expanded to include the detection of various psychoactive substances using Inmetro-certified saliva-based devices known as ‘drogômetros’. Unlike toxicological exams for professional drivers that analyze hair, these These devices identify recent consumption through saliva samples. The equipment provides provide qualitative results for up to 12 substances, including cocaine, amphetamines, MDMA, LSD, fentanyl, morphine, and cannabis (specifically Delta-9-THC), though it they cannot detect CBD or measure specific concentration levels. Because the these tests do not measure actual psychomotor capacity or exact consumption timing, officers may still identify impairment by also rely on observing at least two physical signs of altered capacity. impairment, clinical examinations, or supplementary evidence such as video recordings. In Rio Grande do Sul, additional new requirements for driver's licenses are set to take effect in September. Candidates applying for their first license in categories A (motorcycle) and B (car) must now undergo a toxicological exam. This requirement, previously reserved for professional drivers in categories C, D, and E, involves testing exam involving hair or body hair to detect drug use within the last 90 days. The issuance of a driver's permit is now contingent upon This requirement, previously reserved for professional drivers in categories C, D, and E, requires a negative result registered by from Senatran-accredited laboratories. 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.

Versions

  1. 2026-08-27 19:22 UTC Brazil traffic enforcement regulation updates
  2. 2026-08-25 15:04 UTC Brazil traffic enforcement regulation updates
  3. 2026-08-24 03:11 UTC Brazil traffic enforcement regulation updates
  4. 2026-08-21 21:56 UTC Brazil traffic enforcement regulation updates

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