Detran warns about expired CNHs and advises drivers on regularization

The State Department of Transit (Detran) warns that more than 600,000 drivers in Pará have an expired National Driver's License (CNH). This irregularity increases the risk of accidents and exposes drivers to fines, vehicle retention, and other penalties provided for in the Brazilian Traffic Code (CTB).

Driving with an expired license is considered a serious infraction. The driver caught in this condition is subject to a fine of R$ 293.47, seven points on their license, and even vehicle retention if there is no other licensed driver present at the time of the traffic agents' approach.

From January to September 2024, Detran recorded more than 1,500 infractions for driving with a CNH expired for more than 30 days. Many drivers are still unaware of the new validity periods of the document or leave the renewal until the last minute.

According to Ana Carolina Sampaio, the director of Driver Licensing and Vehicle Registration, renewal should not be seen as a mere formality. “Renewing the CNH ensures that the driver is in full physical and psychological condition to drive, promoting safety on the road and avoiding fines, infractions, and even vehicle retention. The process is quick and easy, and can be started online,” says the director.

The CNH renewal process starts online. The driver must access the official Detran website, select the licensing services option, and issue the renewal boleto, waiting for payment confirmation. Then, it is necessary to schedule the Document Validation. After that, the driver undergoes a medical examination at an accredited clinic, which can be scheduled via the website, webchat, or phone 154. For drivers who engage in paid activities, a psychotechnical exam is also required. Once all tests are passed, the CNH is issued and can be delivered by mail or picked up directly at the Detran headquarters or at Ciretrans (Regional Traffic Circumscription).

Administrative assistant Lucas Gonçalves, 31, shared his experience with renewing his license. “Since I need the license for work, I decided to renew it right away so I wouldn't leave it until the last minute. It was a very quick process: I issued the boleto online, scheduled the biometrics at Detran, was well attended, and then took the exam at the clinic, which was also quick and practical,” he reported.

New validity periods

Since the change in the Brazilian Traffic Code, in effect since 2021, the validity periods of the CNH have varied according to the driver's age group. Drivers up to 49 years have a validity of 10 years; between 50 and 69 years, 5 years; and for drivers aged 70 or older, renewal must be done every 3 years.

Detran recommends that renewal be done before expiration to avoid inconveniences. Although there is a period of up to 30 days after expiration to continue driving legally, it is best not to leave it until the last minute.

According to the National Traffic Council (Contran), a driver who has not yet completed the Defensive Driving and First Aid Course, or whose physical and mental fitness exam has been expired for more than five years from the expiration date, must take the Update Course to start the renewal process.

Text by Brendo Freitas / Ascom Detran