BrazilBrazil
Traffic rules
Brazil
1. Brazil
Brazil occupies a vast part of South America, and traffic drives on the right. Its size makes road conditions exceptionally varied, from heavily travelled urban expressways and major intercity highways to long routes through agricultural regions, tropical forest and remote interior areas. Some rural journeys cover very large distances between services, while intense rainfall can cause flooding, landslides and road closures in susceptible regions.
Brazil has a national traffic framework under the Código de Trânsito Brasileiro (CTB), although local authorities can set and sign road-specific rules such as speed limits. There is no nationwide vignette; selected concessioned highways charge tolls through conventional plazas or increasingly through barrier-free Free Flow electronic collection. Written road signs are primarily in Portuguese. Brazil also has a zero-alcohol driving policy, and daytime headlight requirements apply in several specific situations, including certain single-carriageway highways.
AI-generated by Rijbewijs-online.be • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What is the alcohol limit for drivers in Brazil?
Brazil applies a zero-alcohol policy. The CTB provides that any alcohol concentration can subject a driver to drink-driving penalties, subject to the technical measurement tolerances used in enforcement. The safest rule is therefore do not drink before driving.
🔗 planalto.gov.br • Brazilian Presidency, Brazilian Traffic Code, Alcohol and impairment
What speed limits apply to passenger cars in Brazil?
Built-up areas: Where no regulatory speed sign is present, the CTB sets defaults according to road class: 80 km/h on urban express roads, 60 km/h on arterial roads, 40 km/h on collector roads and 30 km/h on local roads.
Divided roads: On a paved rural highway with divided carriageways and no different posted limit, the maximum is 110 km/h for cars, motorcycles, pickup trucks and similar light vehicles, and 90 km/h for other vehicles.
Single-carriageway rural highways: On a paved single-carriageway rural highway without a different posted limit, the maximum is 100 km/h for cars, motorcycles, pickup trucks and similar light vehicles, and 90 km/h for other vehicles.
Unpaved rural roads: The CTB defines an estrada as an unpaved rural road. Where no other limit is signed, the maximum is 60 km/h.
Posted limits: The authority responsible for the road may establish higher or lower signed limits according to the road's characteristics and traffic conditions. The posted limit takes precedence.
🔗 planalto.gov.br • Brazilian Presidency, Brazilian Traffic Code, Speed limits for passenger cars
Are seat belts compulsory in Brazil?
Yes. Drivers and passengers must wear seat belts on roads throughout Brazil, subject only to specific regulated exceptions.
🔗 planalto.gov.br • Brazilian Presidency, Brazilian Traffic Code, Seat belts and occupant protection
Can you use a mobile phone while driving in Brazil?
Driving while holding or handling a mobile phone is prohibited. The CTB also restricts driving while using a phone or headphones connected to audio equipment.
🔗 planalto.gov.br • Brazilian Presidency, Brazilian Traffic Code, Mobile devices and attention
Are motorcycle helmets compulsory in Brazil?
Yes. Both the motorcycle rider and passenger must wear a safety helmet. Riders must also comply with the rules concerning visors or protective eyewear.
🔗 planalto.gov.br • Brazilian Presidency, Brazilian Traffic Code
Who has priority at a roundabout in Brazil?
At an unsigned roundabout, a vehicle already circulating has priority over a vehicle entering. Follow traffic lights, signs and an officer’s instructions wherever they control the junction.
🔗 planalto.gov.br • Brazilian Presidency, Brazilian Traffic Code
