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City Hall Tightens Rules, Intensifies Seizures, and Begins to Punish Drivers Who Violate Power, Speed, and Circulation Limits Established by Municipal Law and Contran Regulations
The circulation of electric bicycles, mopeds, and self-propelled individual mobility devices has become the target of rigorous inspection in Santos, on the coast of São Paulo. The City Hall announced that it will fine and seize vehicles that are not in compliance with the rules, expanding the crackdown on the streets and bike lanes of the city.
The information was disclosed by A Tribuna, based on official communications from the Municipal Administration and the Traffic Engineering Company (CET-Santos). According to the agency, inspections have been intensified and have already resulted in the seizure of devices that exceed legal limits for power and speed, with items being sent to the impound lot and penalties applied.
Moreover, the City Hall emphasizes that the measure aims to ensure road safety, organization of traffic, and appropriate coexistence among pedestrians, cyclists, and other vehicles, especially in shared areas.
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What the Legislation Says and Why Santos Tightened Inspections
The regulation follows the guidelines of the Resolution No. 996/2023 of the National Traffic Council (Contran), which establishes criteria for the circulation of electric bicycles, self-propelled devices, and mopeds across the country. The federal regulation allows municipalities to create complementary rules regarding speed, allowed areas, and additional requirements.
In this context, Santos was a pioneer in the Baixada Santista. In December 2023, the municipality sanctioned the Municipal Law No. 4,221/2023, which details the use of these vehicles as a supplement to federal regulations.
Since then, as explained by the City Hall, CET-Santos has intensified enforcement actions. Devices that do not meet established standards are being seized, and drivers are being fined.
The municipal administration highlights that many vehicles were operating with no clear legal framework, which increased the risk of accidents, conflicts in bike lanes, and insecurity for pedestrians.
Rules for Electric Bicycles in Santos
Electric bicycles, officially called Electronic Power Assisted Cycles, are classified alongside conventional bicycles, provided they meet specific technical criteria.
Main rules:
- Must have functional pedals and an auxiliary electric motor
- Maximum allowed power: 1,000 W
- Factory speed limit: 32 km/h
- No registration, license plate, or driver’s license required
- Allowed to circulate in bike lanes and cycle paths, respecting the limit of 20 km/h
- In the absence of these paths, must ride along the right side of the roadway
Required equipment:
- Speed limiter
- Bell
- Front, rear, side, and pedal lighting for night use
- Left rearview mirror
- Good condition tires
Other important restrictions:
- Prohibited on fast traffic streets and highways, except where there is a shoulder or specific lane
- Transportation is only permitted if there is original structure for a passenger
- Prohibited to transport children unable to care for their own safety
- Use of a helmet is not legally required, but is strongly recommended
Self-Propelled Devices: Electric Scooters, Electric Skateboards, and Monocycles
Self-propelled individual mobility devices include electric scooters, hoverboards, electric skateboards, monocycles, and even some scooters with this configuration.
Characteristics and rules:
- Do not have pedals
- One or more wheels
- May have a self-balancing system (gyroscope and accelerometer)
- Maximum power: 1,000 W
- Maximum speed: 32 km/h
Allowed circulation:
- In bike lanes and cycle paths, respecting 20 km/h
- In their absence, along the right edge of roads with a limit of up to 40 km/h
Other requirements:
- No driver’s license, registration, or license plate required
- Must have speed limiter, bell, and visible night lighting on all sides
- Transportation is only permitted if there is original structure
- Helmet is not required by law, but recommended
Like electric bicycles, self-propelled devices are prohibited on fast traffic streets and highways.
Mopeds, Motorcycles, and Scooters: Extra Attention Required
Mopeds follow stricter rules as they are similar to motorcycles in terms of performance and risk.
Legal definition:
- Up to three wheels
- Combustion engine of up to 50 cm³ or electric of up to 4 kW
- Maximum speed: 50 km/h
Mandatory requirements:
- Registration, licensing, and plate issuance with Detran
- Category A driver’s license or Authorization to Drive Mopeds (ACC)
- Mandatory use of a helmet
The deadline for regularization has been set until December 31, 2025. After this date, irregular vehicles will be subject to a fine and immediate removal.
In addition:
- Prohibited from circulating in bike lanes and cycle paths
- Must ride on the right side of the lane
- Prohibited on fast traffic streets and highways, unless there is a specific lane or shoulder
In the case of scooters, the City Hall clarifies that the term is used generically in the market. Legally, classification depends on power, maximum speed, and presence of pedals, which may classify it as self-propelled, moped, or motorcycle.
Fines, Seizures, and Permanent Enforcement
With the increased inspections, the City Hall of Santos makes it clear that there will be no tolerance for those who violate the rules. Vehicles that do not meet the standards are being seized, and drivers are being penalized.
According to the municipal administration, inspections will be continuous and comprehensive, especially in bike lanes, high traffic areas, and shared roads.
The goal, according to CET-Santos, is to ensure safety, predictability in traffic, and respect for the rules, preventing accidents and conflicts among different modalities.
Do you know if the vehicle you are using today complies with the rules or could result in a fine and seizure?
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