5 silly mistakes that lead to the suspension of your CNH; here’s how to avoid them

The Brazilian Traffic Code (CTB) establishes a large number of infractions, scores on the National Driver’s License (CNH) and traffic fines, which are quite feared by drivers. But, even worse than bearing these consequences, is having the CNH suspended.

This can happen when the driver:

• accumulated 40 points or more in a period of 12 months, none of which is very serious;
• accumulated 30 points in the last year, and one infraction was very serious;
• accumulated 20 points in the last year, two or more of which were very serious;
• Committed self-suspension infractions (CNH automatically suspended);
• did not pay the vehicular debts.

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However, many drivers are unaware of these rules and the dynamics of driver’s license scoring, which causes silly mistakes or pranks to result in the suspension of the CNH.

1. Paying the fine doesn’t get you out of points

A very common mistake involves paying the fine, as many drivers believe that when paying the amount their license is zero. But paying the amount due does not imply the exclusion of points, since the financial penalty does not change the registration of the score, which only ceases to be valid after the legal deadline.

2. Not indicating the real offender

If you share the vehicle with someone, it is very important that you properly assign the infractions and their respective points. Otherwise, all fines recorded in a car will be linked to the owner of the car, even if he has not committed any of them. This can be done through the CNH do Brasil app.

3. The points don’t disappear on their own at the turn of the year

Another very recurring misconception is to imagine that the CNH score is automatically reset at the end of the year, when the year turns from 2026 to 2027, for example. This is a misinterpretation, because in practice the points remain valid for 12 months from the date on which the infraction was committed and not according to the calendar year.

4. Not knowing what the self-suspension infractions are

There are also frequent questions about self-suspension infractions. Many drivers believe that the suspended CNH occurs only by accumulating points, when, in reality, certain specific infractions already directly result in the opening of the process, regardless of the score recorded.

The infractions that generate CNH suspension are:

• Driving under the influence of alcohol or psychoactive substance;
• Refuse to take a breathalyzer test or other test that certifies the influence of alcohol or psychoactive substance;
• Exceeding the speed by more than 50% of the allowed limit;
• Use any vehicle to deliberately interrupt, restrict or disturb circulation on the road without authorization from the agency;
• Compete in races or promote competitions, organized events, exhibitions and demonstrations on public roads;
• Demonstrate or exhibit a dangerous maneuver, by means of sudden starting, skidding or braking with sliding or dragging of tires;
• Forcing passage between vehicles when overtaking in opposite directions;
• Driving a vehicle without performing the toxicological test or having obtained a positive result;
• Fail to perform the toxicological test after 30 days from the expiration of the established period;
• Failing to provide aid or help to the victim in the event of an accident;
• Driving threatening pedestrians who are crossing the public road, or other vehicles;
• Crossing, without authorization, a police roadblock;
• Driving a motorcycle, scooter or moped without wearing a helmet (either the driver or the passenger), juggling or wheelie, transporting a child under ten years of age.

Finally, another relevant problem is the non-identification of the real driver, which ends up transferring the points to those who were not behind the wheel, causing an undue accumulation of penalties.

5. Not having the CNH do Brasil app installed on your cell phone

Many drivers who have their CNH suspended end up having to bear this loss because they only check the number of points when they receive the suspension notification. At this point, there is often no longer any possibility of correcting the situation.

What is the solution to this question and the others mentioned above It’s simple, just regularly monitor the situation of the license, understand the deadlines and know the basic rules of the scoring system.

You can check your situation in the CNH do Brasil application, which came to replace the Digital Transit Card (CDT) and has all the information about your license and your registered vehicle. This avoids suspension processes and administrative inconveniences.