Running a red light: financial consequences and impact on the driver's license

Among the most frequent traffic violations on urban roads, running a red light remains a conduct that has significant repercussions for the driver. Brazilian legislation considers this behavior with maximum severity, as it poses a concrete risk of side collisions and pedestrian accidents at busy intersections.

The impact of a very serious infraction on the driver’s wallet

According to provisions of Article 208 of the Brazilian Traffic Code (CTB), the penalty for running a red light falls into the very serious infraction category. The amount charged to the owner reached R$ 293.47 in 2026, establishing the current value for this type of citation in Brazil. Alongside the financial penalty, the driver’s license receives a mark of 7 demerit points, a figure that requires extra caution from the infringer, considering recent changes in the allowed point limits.

Accumulating this margin of points on the CNH (driver’s license) becomes a central concern, as infractions of this magnitude directly threaten the driver’s right to continue driving. The point system functions as a progressive punitive mechanism, so multiple very serious violations can result in license suspension.

Legal situations and specific permissions provided by legislation

Although total suspension for running a red light is a universal rule, there are restricted scenarios recognized by law as eligible for authorization or exemption from liability. Drivers should familiarize themselves with these conditions to avoid unjustified fines:

• Turning right at a location with appropriate visual signage
• Allowing passage for emergency vehicles with siren and flashing lights activated
• Crossing during specific nighttime periods (as determined by municipal regulations) with safety assured
• Temporary stopping on crosswalks during maneuvers to clear the intersection

Hierarchy of penalties: a comparative overview of 2026

The violation structure of the Brazilian road system establishes a direct correspondence between severity, monetary amount, and points. Each category reflects the potential risk to the safety of road users:

Monitoring technology: how electronic systems work

Electronic enforcement devices, commonly called “pardais,” rely on inductive loop technology to capture photographic documentation of the infringing vehicle. The sensor is triggered exclusively when the vehicle crosses the demarcation line after the red light turns on, with a brief processing interval between the yellow-red light change and device activation.

These same devices often record additional infractions at the same moment, such as improper positioning on pedestrian crosswalks and speeding through the intersection. Reducing speed when transitioning to yellow and paying extra attention to signage are effective preventive behaviors against notifications from the State Detran.

Procedures for consultation and resolving pending issues

Checking for outstanding fines should be done through official channels provided by public administration. Prepayment via the Electronic Notification Platform frequently offers a significant discount on the full amount, simplifying the process of regularizing the vehicle’s legal circulation.

The National Traffic Department provides an informational portal that allows access to the complete history of the driver and the vehicle. Maintaining compliance with Contran resolutions ensures free circulation and transfer of ownership of the vehicle throughout the national territory, preventing unnecessary administrative restrictions.