Discover The 7 Most Common Traffic Violations On Highways That Catch Drivers Off Guard And Can Cost Up To R$ 5,000, As Well As Suspend The CNH.
Driving in Brazil requires heightened attention not only to traffic but also to the rules of the Brazilian Traffic Code (CTB). Often, experienced drivers fall into traps that seem simple but can lead to steep penalties. Some of these infractions can cost more than R$ 5,000 and also result in vehicle seizure and license suspension.
To avoid shocks and losses, we listed the seven most common fines on Brazilian highways, those that catch drivers by surprise and hit their wallets.
Overtaking on Solid Line: Serious Fine Multiplied by 5
Overtaking in prohibited areas is one of the most severe infractions under the CTB. Those who disregard the solid line receive a serious fine with a multiplier factor of 5. This means a value of R$ 1,467.35, as well as seven points on the CNH.
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The problem is that, on single-lane highways, this maneuver is still common, whether due to haste or lack of patience. But in addition to the fine, the risk of a head-on collision is enormous, which justifies the heavy punishment.
Refusing the Breathalyzer Test: Fine of Nearly R$ 3,000 and Suspension of CNH
The so-called Dry Law does not give any leeway. Even without showing signs of drunkenness, if the driver refuses to blow into the breathalyzer, they will automatically be fined R$ 2,934.70 and suspended from driving for 12 months.
Many drivers believe that by refusing, they escape punishment. In practice, the refusal is treated the same as driving while intoxicated. In addition to the fine, the car may be retained until another licensed driver shows up.
Driving Over 50% of the Speed Limit: Infraction That Reaches R$ 880
Exceeding the speed limit is a common infraction, but when the driver goes more than 50% above the speed limit, the penalty is even heavier: R$ 880.41, with immediate suspension of the CNH.
This is a fine that catches many by surprise on highways with stretches monitored by fixed radar and sudden changes in speed limits. Therefore, pay attention to the signs and reduce speed before entering urban areas or tolls.
Transporting a Child Without a Safety Seat: Fine of R$ 293 and Vehicle Retention
It may seem like a detail, but transporting children without the proper safety devices (infant seat, booster seat or elevation seat) results in a serious fine of R$ 293.47 and seven points on the CNH. Additionally, the vehicle will be held until the irregularity is corrected.
The CTB requires that:
- Babies up to 1 year use an infant seat;
- Children from 1 to 4 years use a booster seat;
- From 4 to 7.5 years, an elevation seat;
- And up to 10 years, occupy the rear seat with a seat belt.
Many drivers forget this rule during travels, and the fine ends up being applied during highway checkpoints.
Driving Without CNH or With Suspended License: Fine of Nearly R$ 900
Another serious mistake is driving a vehicle without being properly licensed. In this case, the fine is R$ 880.41, in addition to vehicle retention. Those who drive with a suspended or revoked CNH face even more severe penalties: it could result in criminal charges according to Article 307 of the CTB.
It is more common than it seems: many drivers forget to renew their CNH or continue driving even after losing their rights due to excessive points.
Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol or Drugs: Up to R$ 5,869 and Traffic Crime
This is one of the heaviest infractions under the law. If the driver is caught driving with a blood alcohol concentration above the permitted level, the fine is R$ 2,934.70. However, if the test proves an alcohol level that constitutes a traffic crime, the penalty may reach R$ 5,869.40, in addition to imprisonment from 6 months to 3 years, suspension of the CNH and vehicle retention.
In other words: besides the financial loss, there’s a risk of facing criminal charges.
Forcing Passage Between Vehicles: Infraction That Exceeds R$ 2,900
An extremely dangerous practice, common on single-lane highways, is forcing overtaking between vehicles that are traveling in the opposite direction. Article 191 of the CTB classifies this behavior as a serious infraction multiplied by 10.
The amount? R$ 2,934.70, in addition to immediate suspension of the CNH. Besides the fine, this is one of the maneuvers that most cause fatal accidents on Brazilian highways.
How to Avoid Falling Into These Traps
- Respect speed limits and signs;
- Plan stops to avoid rush during overtakes;
- Always use the safety devices required for children;
- Never drive after consuming alcohol, even in small amounts;
- Check the validity of the CNH and the condition of the vehicle before hitting the road.
More than avoiding fines, these actions preserve lives.

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