STF Keeps Automatic CNH Renewal in Force as States Split on Driving-Test Changes

Overview

• The Supreme Court minister denied an injunction and declined to admit ADI 7924 filed by the traffic-psychology association Abrapsit, citing lack of standing.
• MP 1,327/2025 remains operative, allowing drivers with no fines in the prior 12 months to renew licenses automatically without medical or psychological exams.
• The Transport Ministry reports 323,459 automatic renewals and about R$226 million in avoided exam and fee costs since the rule took effect.
• State adoption of new exam criteria is uneven: São Paulo, Paraná and Mato Grosso moved to drop the baliza as eliminatory and allow automatic cars, Sergipe removed the baliza on Friday, while Tocantins maintains the traditional test pending a national manual.
• Contran’s late-2025 overhaul authorized exam changes and digitalization, as Senatran said it would publish a standard manual by Friday, while supporters cite inclusion and savings and critics warn of safety risks and potential loopholes like fine transfers.