Contran stipulates some mandatory equipment for every vehicle that runs on public roads, not complying with this results in seizure
Biologist Richard Rasmussen had his UTV (utility terrain vehicle) seized during the expedition made by a group of influencers along the Trans-Amazonian highway. The used vehicle, a CFMoto ZForce Z10 4 Turbo, cannot be registered or run on public roads, it is only for use in private places or trails.
Resolution 14/1998 of the National Traffic Council (Contran) brings a list of mandatory equipment for a car to run on public roads. UTVs, like Richard Rasmussen’s, lack some of the items, such as wheels covered by fenders, windshield, windshield wiper and washer, license plate and licensing.
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Not meeting this standard, the driver will be in breach of article 230 of the Brazilian Traffic Code (CTB). This is considered a serious infraction, resulting in a fine of R$ 195.23, 5 points on the National Driver’s License (CNH) and retention of the vehicle for regularization.
The complete list of mandatory items for vehicles to be approved to run on public roads has 19 items. Some of them are present in UTVs, such as horns, headlights, taillights, rearview mirrors, speedometer and parking brake with an independent system of service brakes.
UTVs can run on public roads under specific conditions: competitions. Article 110 of the CTB provides that:
The vehicle that has changed any of its characteristics for competition or similar purpose may only circulate on public roads with a special license from the traffic authority, in a fixed itinerary and time.
This special license is given to cars that compete in the Sertões Rally, for example, so that they can run between one stage and another. If there is no license, it is necessary to transport it in a trailer or truck.
There is no rule that prevents the registration of vehicles such as UTVs, it is enough that it leaves the factory with the mandatory equipment. There is in the Brazilian market today a national model that can legally run on public roads, the Guepardo produced by Ceará’s Adventures Off Road.
This vehicle is called URV (utility recreational vehicle) and can be purchased with a windshield, wipers and other items required by law. It is framed in the same exception as buggies and jeeps, such as the late Troller, so it does not need to have airbags.
The Cheetah was designed by engineers who worked at Ford and Troller. It uses a 1.6 16v Volkswagen engine and differs from imported UTVs by adopting a manual transmission.
Its price starts at R$ 149.900 in the G300 Duna model and the G400n is also available for R$ 245.000. As a comparison, the CFMoto ZForce Z10 4 Turbo that cannot run on public roads is sold for R$ 187,480.80.
UTVs are off-road vehicles that have gained space on trails and rallies quickly. Since 2017, there has been a category dedicated to them at the Dakar Rally.
A UTV has a tubular structure that also acts as a roll cage and long-travel independent suspension. The most popular models, such as Can-Am and Polaris, have a rear engine and a CVT transmission. They can be 4×2 or 4×4.
The interior is spartan and seat belts can be five-point. Because it does not have airbags and windshields, the most recommended is to ride with a helmet and goggles.
There are also UTVs more focused on work, with less aggressive mechanics and a bucket. These are usually used on farms and other places where it is necessary to move on varied terrain.
