English 
Spanish 
2 min read
5 comments
The proposal that could bring back the requirement for fire extinguishers in cars is already causing a stir. Created by Senator Eduardo Braga (MDB-AM), the initiative was approved by the Transparency and Consumer Protection Committee and will now be analyzed in the Senate Plenary. If approved, the measure promises to affect the pockets and routines of Brazilian drivers.
Fire extinguishers were mandatory in Brazil for decades, but in 2015, Contran (the National Traffic Council) decided that passenger vehicles no longer needed to carry the equipment. Since then, the absence of fire extinguishers has become a topic of debate that combines safety and cost for drivers.
Senator Eduardo Braga defends the return of the requirement as a safety issue. For him, the equipment, which costs around R$80 and is valid for five years, does not represent a significant burden on the budget. He points out that 17% of recalls in Brazil involve problems that can cause fires. “It is an essential item that can save lives in critical situations,” argues Braga.
Another justification presented is that Brazil, as a signatory to the Basic Unified Traffic Regulation, already agrees with other South American countries on the mandatory presence of fire extinguishers in vehicles.
- Bill Gates: Microsoft founder made the 'biggest mistake of all time' and it cost him $400 BILLION
- Dismissal of civil servants shocks workers in Brazilian city
- Brazil is now the country with the highest taxes in the world after a controversial tax reform that divides economists, politicians and scares the population
- Brazil's GDP growth hits 2,8% in 2024, but World Bank warns of fiscal challenges due to pension spending and public debt
Counterpoints and criticisms of the car fire extinguisher case
Not everyone is in favor. Entities such as the Brazilian Association of Automotive Engineering (AEA) and Anfavea question the need for the equipment. They claim that, with the technological advances in vehicles, the risk of fires has decreased significantly.
Furthermore, experts point out that fire extinguishers are only useful at the beginning of a fire. If the fire spreads, they become ineffective. The example of countries such as the United States and several European nations, where the use of the equipment is not required, is also cited.
The ABC fire extinguisher: the suggested model
The project proposes that the mandatory model be the ABC extinguisher, capable of fighting fires in solid materials, flammable liquids and even electrical equipment. This choice seeks to increase the efficiency of the equipment in different situations.
What now, drivers?
The debate over whether to reinstate fire extinguishers in cars is far from over. The Senate still has to assess the real need for the equipment, weighing safety and cost for drivers. In the meantime, the controversy continues, dividing opinions between those who prioritize prevention and those who see the measure as an unnecessary expense. Stay tuned: the final decision could directly impact your pocketbook and traffic safety!
They are already using it too, friend.
Why don't they use them on forest fires? Just throw a large volume of them and shovel them.