Mercosur Vehicle Plates Should Cost R$138.24, Says São Paulo’s Traffic Department

RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL – The São Paulo State Traffic Department (DETRAN-SP) has recommended the maximum price of the Mercosur license plates at R$138.24 for cars, buses and trucks and R$114.86 for motorcycles – the same rates that are currently charged for the existing standard gray plates. The price, however, may vary depending on the company contracted by carowners to provide the new license plates.

After six postponements, the National Traffic Council (CONTRAN) established that the Mercosur system will be compulsory throughout the country as of Friday, January 31st, although not for all vehicles. Currently in operation in a number of states, including Rio de Janeiro, Amazonas, Bahia and Rio Grande do Sul, the new system will only apply to São Paulo by the end of the deadline period.

The Mercosur model becomes compulsory for the first license plate or transfer of the vehicle’s registration municipality. In case of theft or damage that impairs the reading of the license plate, owners are also required to make the change. Owners who do not need to change may also choose to do so.

The change was expected to become more expensive. In São Paulo, however, the DETRAN reports having carried out price research for its implementation and only then set the new figures – which are in line with those currently in force.

According to the municipality, the suggested prices serve as a reference for consumers and suppliers. “Accredited companies may set the price for the plates, but any abusive practices may be reported to PROCON (consumer protection agency),” it says in a note.

Currently, in Greater São Paulo, only one supplier is accredited to comply with the Mercosur standard. The company is located at Rolim de Moura Square, in the east zone of the capital, according to DETRAN.

In the state there are seven other companies. These are located in the cities of Avaré, Itupeva, Marília, Araçatuba, Arujá, Presidente Prudente and Santana de Parnaíba. According to DETRAN, accreditation of other companies will continue after January 31st.

In order to obtain the first license plates, owners are required to submit the invoice and other documents to a DETRAN unit to register the vehicle. “With the CRV [vehicle registration] in hand, individuals should seek one of the accredited printing companies, according to CONTRAN Resolution 780/2019,” says the municipality. “The payment of plates is made directly to the printing company chosen by the citizen”.

According to CONTRAN, the new plates include security features, such as the QR Code, which allows traceability, preventing its cloning and forgery. Made up of a combination of four letters and three digits, the new model allows more than 450 million combinations. Considering the growth pattern of the vehicle fleet in Brazil, the new combination is expected to be effective for over a hundred years.