Can I wash my car on the street? See what the law says

The doubt is common because many people believe that, because they are in front of their own residence, they can use the public area freely. However, municipal rules may establish restrictions for activities carried out on roads and sidewalks.

The Brazilian Traffic Code does not contain a specific national prohibition on washing vehicles on the streets. This does not mean that the practice is permitted in all cities: local legislation may establish penalties for those who use public space in this way.

An example is the city of São Paulo, where article 169, item IV, of Municipal Law 13,478/2002 considers it an administrative infraction to wash or repair vehicles on public roads and places. The rule does not depend on whether the activity is carried out by a company or by a resident in front of their own home.

The same legislation prohibits, in article 164, dumping wastewater, oil, fat and other liquids on public roads. Therefore, in addition to the restriction on washing, the disposal of used water can also constitute an irregularity. São Paulo’s rules should not be automatically applied to other municipalities.

In São Paulo, the infraction may result in a municipal administrative fine, in accordance with articles 180 and 185 of Law 13,478/2002 and the values ​​set out in Annex VI, updated by municipal legislation. The amount is not a national traffic fine and depends on the current municipal table.

This fine, in fact, is part of a list of 7 traffic violations that generate a fine and you probably didn’t know.

Affiliate Disclosure: Articles published by Silicon Dispatch may include verified affiliate partner links. If you purchase through these links, we may earn an affiliate commission at no additional cost to you.