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Which Traffic Violations Lead to Automatic Suspension of Your Driver’s License and What They Cost Today. See Fines, Suspension Periods, and Rules for Professional Drivers
In Brazil, in addition to suspension due to accumulated points, there are also autonomous traffic violations. They revoke the right to drive for 12 months, even if the person has not committed any other violations beforehand. The official list can be found in the Brazilian Traffic Code and the regulations of Contran.
Below, we show four of the most common violations in Brazil, with updated values and deadlines. We also explain how the process works, the right to defense, and the scoring rules revised by Law 14.071/2020.
Before that, a reminder: suspension is not applied at the time of the violation. The authority opens a administrative process and the driver can appeal at three stages. Only after that does the penalty take effect.
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If you are a professional driver, there are specific rules regarding points and the possibility of a preventive recycling course to avoid suspension. See more below for the updated criteria.
Understand the Points Rule and Autonomous Suspension
Since April 12, 2021, the limits are graduated: 40 points without serious violations; 30 points with 1 serious violation; 20 points with 2 or more serious violations within a 12-month period. Legal basis: art. 261 of the CTB and Law 14.071/2020.
For those engaging in remunerated activities with the vehicle, the cap is 40 points, regardless of severity, within the same period. This rule has been confirmed by official bodies and remains valid.
On the other hand, autonomous violations do not depend on points. The very article of the violation provides for suspension of the right to drive, with deadlines defined in the CTB and resolutions from Contran.
The 4 Most Common Violations That Suspend the License
- Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol (art. 165): serious violation with a fine multiplied by 10, currently R$ 2,934.70, and suspension for 12 months. Recidivism within the year doubles the fine. Express provision in the CTB.
- Refusal to Take a Breathalyzer Test (art. 165-A): same treatment as drunk driving. Fine of R$ 2,934.70 and suspension for 12 months, in addition to a recycling course to resume driving.
- Speeding Over 50% (art. 218, III): serious violation with a factor of x3, R$ 880.41, and suspension. The period varies from 2 to 8 months and, in case of recidivism within 12 months, from 8 to 18 months.
- Drag Racing (art. 173): autonomous violation with fine x10 (R$ 2,934.70), suspension, and possibility of vehicle seizure. The fine doubles in case of annual recidivism.
Important note: Transporting a Child Without a Car Seat (art. 168) is a serious violation and costs R$ 293.47, but the article does not provide for automatic suspension; the main penalty is a fine and vehicle retention.
In addition to these, there are other autonomous violations, such as Ignoring a Police Blockade (art. 210), also with suspension provided by law. The complete list is in the CTB and technical publications.
How the Process Works and When Suspension Takes Effect
The suspension is not immediate. The infraction report generates a notification, preliminary defense, and appeals in Jaris and Cetran. Only after a final decision is the driver’s license suspended and the document collected.
In the case of art. 218, III, the law mentions suspension, but experts remind us that the term “immediate” does not apply without due legal process. The period is set by the authority between 2 and 8 months.
Upon completion of the penalty, the driver must complete a recycling course to regain the right to drive, according to the rules of Detrans and the CTB.
In case of cancellation (e.g., driving with a suspended license), the penalty is more severe and the process follows its own basis in art. 263. Do not confuse suspension due to violations with cancellation due to non-compliance.
Professional Drivers: Points, Preventive Course, and Precautions
Those engaging in remunerated activities may opt for a preventive recycling course upon reaching 14 points within 12 months, avoiding suspension due to points. This provision is in the CTB.
For common points, the limits of 40/30/20 points within 12 months apply. Official bodies reinforce the ranges and the exception for professionals. Keep the dates: rule effective since 04/12/2021.
Even with these mechanisms, autonomous violations such as alcohol, refusal, drag racing, and speeding over 50% lead to automatic suspension regardless of total points.
Do you want to give your opinion? Do you agree that refusing the breathalyzer carries the same penalty as driving under the influence? Is the grading of 40/30/20 points fair or lenient? Comment below and let us know if the current rules improve safety or just increase revenue.
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