Senate may once again require fire extinguishers in cars in Brazil; Understand what the bill says, who is against it and how much the equipment may cost

A bill aims to make the use of fire extinguishers mandatory in passenger cars and utility vehicles. The measure has already been required in Brazil and may come into effect again.

The use of fire extinguishers in cars may once again become mandatory in Brazil. The Senate is analyzing a bill that aims to change the current rules and make all passenger and utility vehicles carry the equipment again.

According to an article published on the portal O Antagonista, proposal is moving forward in Congress and may be voted on this semester. The text is House Bill (PLC) 159/2017, authored by Congressman Moses Rodrigues (União-CE).

What does the project say about fire extinguishers in cars?

Currently, mandatory fire extinguishers in Brazil are only required for trucks, buses and vehicles transporting dangerous goods. This change took place in 2015, when the National Traffic Council (Contran) decided to remove the requirement for regular cars.

But now, with the new project, the proposal is that all cars will once again be required to carry an ABC type extinguisher, which combats different types of fire: solid materials, flammable liquids and even electrical failures.

According to the official website of the Federal Senate, the project's rapporteur, Senator Eduardo Braga (MDB-AM), defends the proposal stating that “around 17% of vehicle recalls in the country involve a risk of fire” and that the extinguisher can help prevent tragedies.

Who is against the return of the obligation?

Senator Styvenson Valentim (Podemos-RN), who is the rapporteur for the Economic Affairs Committee (CAE), was against it. According to him, many drivers do not know how to use fire extinguishers and the item becomes useless in real situations.

In an interview with CBN, he explained that the cost benefit of the requirement is doubtful. Furthermore, he reinforced that the fire extinguisher could end up becoming just another mandatory expense for the driver.

How much does a new fire extinguisher cost?

If the project is approved, the item could cost around R$80, with a validity of up to five years, according to information from UOL Carros. There is still no prediction as to whether the new rule will bring penalties such as fines or points on the license for those who do not have the equipment in the vehicle.

What happens now?

The proposal has already been analyzed by Senate committees and is ready for a vote in the plenary. If approved, it will be sent to the President for approval. According to the Senate Agency, the discussion is expected to take place in the first half of 2025.

If it becomes law, Contran will be responsible for regulating the details, such as deadlines, exceptions and possible changes for electric vehicles.