Getting a first driver's license became more complicated since Friday (15th). The National Traffic Secretariat (Senatran) determined that State Traffic Departments (Detrans) must immediately require toxicological exams for first-time license applicants in categories A (motorcycles) and B (cars), through Circular Letter No. 573/2026 signed by substitute secretary Ana Beatriz Vasconcelos de Medeiros. ✓
Press quotes (1)
"ANA BEATRIZ VASCONCELOS DE MEDEIROS Secretária Nacional de Trânsito Substituta"
The measure implements a law approved in June 2025 — Law No. 15.153 that amended the Brazilian Traffic Code — but which had remained in regulatory limbo for months. The National Congress overturned the presidential veto of the law in December 2025, making the wide-window toxicological exam (which identifies substances consumed in the last 90 to 180 days) mandatory also for non-professional drivers. ✓
Press quotes (2)
"Sobre a implementação das disposições introduzidas pela Lei nº 15.153, de 26 de junho de 2025, relacionadas aos §§ 10 e 11 do art. 148-A da Lei nº 9.503, de 23 de setembro de 1997, Código de Trânsito Brasileiro"
"O Congresso Nacional manteve integralmente três vetos presidenciais e derrubou apenas um, em sessão da última quinta-feira, 4, após entendimento entre governo e oposição. [...] O único veto rejeitado restabeleceu a obrigatoriedade do exame toxicológico para a obtenção da primeira Carteira Nacional de Habilitação (CNH) nas categorias A e B"
According to Senatran's circular letter, proof of negative exam results may be presented by the candidate "until the stage of issuing the Driving Permit (PPD)", when Detrans must systematically verify in the National Registry of Licensed Drivers (Renach) before issuing the document. The new guidance applies to "new first-time licensing processes", without establishing a specific start date or rules for processes already underway. ✓
Press quotes (2)
"Dessa forma, a comprovação de resultado negativo em exame toxicológico poderá ser apresentada pelo candidato até a etapa de expedição da Permissão para Dirigir (PPD), cabendo ao respectivo DETRAN verificar sistemicamente, no RENACH, a existência do resultado negativo antes da emissão do documento."
"os órgãos e entidades executivos de trânsito dos Estados e do Distrito Federal deverão observar a exigência prevista nos §§ 10 e 11 do art. 148-A do Código de Trânsito Brasileiro nos novos processos de primeira habilitação das categorias A e B."
The document expressly revokes Letter No. 90/2026 from February, which had been "interpreted by some Detrans as a signal not to require the exam" before specific Contran regulation, according to press reports. The toxicological exam had already been required since 2015 for professional drivers in categories C, D and E, regulated by Contran Resolution 923/2022 based on the 2015 Trucker Law. ✓
Press quotes (3)
"Em razão das orientações constantes neste expediente, deverá ser desconsiderado o teor do OFÍCIO Nº 90/2026/GAB-SENATRAN/SENATRAN, de 06 de fevereiro de 2026."
"interpretado por alguns Detrans como sinalização para não exigir o exame enquanto não houvesse regulamentação específica"
"RESOLUÇÃO CONTRAN Nº 923, DE 28 DE MARÇO DE 2022 Dispõe sobre o exame toxicológico de larga janela de detecção, em amostra queratínica, para a habilitação, renovação ou mudança para as categorias C, D e E, decorrente da Lei nº 13.103, de 02 de março de 2015."
Senatran expressly revoked Letter No. 90/2026 from February that had created divergent interpretations among Detrans
Covered by only some sources, or where the accounts diverge.
Covered by only some sources (2)
Brazilian Toxicology Association (ABTox) survey showed 86% approval for toxicological exam requirement in first-time licensing
Toxicological exam detects cocaine, opiates, amphetamines and marijuana as most commonly found drugs
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How many accredited laboratories per state are available to process the volume of toxicological exams for first-time licensing?
Why it's still unknown: Senatran did not release data on laboratory capacity or infrastructure needed for immediate implementation
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What will be the cost of the toxicological exam for first-time license applicants in categories A and B?
Why it's still unknown: Senatran document does not establish values or whether there will be national price standardization
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What happens to first-time licensing processes already initiated before the May 15 guidance?
Why it's still unknown: Circular Letter mentions only 'new processes' without defining treatment for ongoing cases
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When will Contran publish definitive regulations on toxicological exam procedures for categories A and B?
Why it's still unknown: Senatran mandates immediate application 'until further Contran regulation' without specific timeline