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New Law of Congress Aims to Increase Traffic Safety and Combat the Use of Illegal Substances Among Drivers
The National Congress approved a bill that expands the requirement for toxicological testing for all drivers seeking the National Driver’s License (CNH), including those in categories A and B, aimed at motorcycle and car drivers. Currently, this requirement is limited to categories C, D, and E, which include truck, bus, and large vehicle drivers.
The proposal, which has already passed through the Chamber of Deputies and now awaits sanction from President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, states that the exam will be mandatory during the process of obtaining the first license for all categories. The intention, according to the text of the bill, is to enhance road safety and prevent drug use among drivers from the training phase.
According to toxicologist Álvaro Pulcinelli Júnior, the consumption of illegal substances has a direct impact on driving ability. “These drugs alter the functioning of the central nervous system, impairing the judgment and reflexes of the driver,” he warns. “In unexpected situations — such as a sharp turn or a pedestrian crossing the road — the reaction time may not be sufficient.”
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The toxicological exam, according to Pulcinelli, is simple: it only requires collecting samples of hair or body hair, from which traces of substances like cocaine, marijuana, amphetamines, and opioids are extracted. The doctor supports the expansion of the requirement, emphasizing that even those seeking licensure for non-professional use may end up acting as paid drivers in the future. “The measure serves as an important alert and stimulus for driver awareness,” he argues.
A survey by the NGO SOS Estradas cited by Pulcinelli revealed a 34% reduction in accidents after the law requiring toxicological testing for professional drivers came into effect. For him, the positive impact justifies the expansion of the measure.
Although the proposal has technical support, some voices from the transportation sector express reservations. Professional driver Natália Souza believes the measure can help but is far from sufficient. “I support more requirements for the first license, but I don’t believe that the toxicological exam alone will solve traffic problems. Ideally, random testing should be applied to all drivers, regardless of category, in addition to reinforcing enforcement and investing in driver education,” she suggests.
Social CNH: Facilitating Access to Licensing for Low-Income People
In addition to the mandatory toxicological exam, the bill also establishes the Social CNH, a program that allocates part of the funds raised from traffic fines to cover the training of low-income drivers. Beneficiaries must be registered in the Unified Registry for Social Programs of the Federal Government (CadÚnico).
The funding will cover all stages of the licensing process, including fees, exams, and practical classes, aiming to expand access to the CNH and reduce inequalities in traffic. The measure is seen as a form of social inclusion and opening up opportunities in the job market for people in vulnerable situations.
Digital Vehicle Transfer: Modernization and Agility in the Process
Another innovation approved by Congress is the possibility of transferring vehicle ownership entirely digitally. With the new legislation, electronically signed purchase and sale contracts will have legal validity and must be accepted by all state traffic agencies and the Federal District.
The measure aims to modernize the bureaucratic processes related to vehicle transfers, eliminating the need for in-person attendance at traffic departments to carry out such transactions. The advanced electronic signature of the contracts must be done through platforms approved by the competent authorities, according to regulations from the National Traffic Council (Contran).
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