In São Paulo, Brazil, 40 days after the implementation of new regulations by the National Traffic Council (Contran), over 1,000 mopeds were seized due to non-compliance. The new laws, which took effect on January 1, require all mopeds to be registered and operated by individuals with a valid driver's license. As a result of these new measures, from January 1 to February 12, the São Paulo Traffic Department (Detran-SP) documented a total of 1,309 traffic violations related to mopeds.

The regulation, which was approved in June 2023 after an extended adaptation period of over two years, aims to enhance the safety and accountability of moped operators in the state. Key provisions include the requirement for all mopeds, including electric models, to be registered and for operators to hold a specific driving authorization (ACC). Violators of this law face serious repercussions, including hefty fines and the confiscation of their vehicles.

This crackdown on unregistered mopeds not only represents a significant shift in traffic regulation enforcement in São Paulo but also underscores a broader governmental effort to improve road safety and reduce accidents involving these vehicles. The impact of such laws could lead to increased compliance among users, potentially creating a safer urban environment over time and addressing the safety concerns that have long been associated with unregulated mopeds.