Crossing animalsBrazil

An introduction to the traffic rules and road signs of Brazil. Learn about driving, road safety and much more in our illustrated book, with answers to frequently asked questions.

For informational purposes only. Always follow official regulations. Some content and images were created with AI assistance.

Traffic signs

Traffic rules

Brazil

1. Crossing animals

An animals-crossing warning indicates a place or road section where wild animals, livestock or ridden animals may enter or cross the road. Animals may appear suddenly, move unpredictably or be difficult to see in darkness, vegetation or poor weather.

Drivers should reduce speed, scan both sides of the road and remain prepared to stop. The warning sign does not itself give animals priority or impose a numerical speed limit, but drivers must avoid frightening, endangering or colliding with them.

Which animals might drivers encounter on roads in Brazil?

Depending on the locality, drivers may meet livestock and wildlife on rural roads, including animals near wetland areas. Roadside animal-warning signs and local hazard information indicate where extra care may be needed; do not assume the hazard ends immediately after a sign.

🔗 planalto.gov.br • Brazilian Traffic Code — applicable traffic, speed, priority, manoeuvre, access and stopping provisions; exact sections recorded in the audit register

🔗 gov.br • National warning manual — relevant hazard and advance-warning criteria

🔗 gov.br • DNIT — BR-262/MS Pantanal wildlife crossing context; current indexed official passage

Does an animal-crossing warning sign in Brazil set a new speed limit?

A warning of animals is not, by itself, a numerical speed-limit sign. Continue to obey the applicable speed limit, but slow down whenever animals could enter the road or visibility is poor. A separate regulatory speed sign must also be obeyed.

🔗 planalto.gov.br • Brazilian Traffic Code — applicable traffic, speed, priority, manoeuvre, access and stopping provisions; exact sections recorded in the audit register

🔗 gov.br • National warning manual — relevant hazard and advance-warning criteria

🔗 gov.br • DNIT — BR-262/MS Pantanal wildlife crossing context; current indexed official passage

What should you do if an animal enters the road in Brazil?

Ease off the accelerator, assess the traffic behind and brake smoothly if necessary. Avoid abrupt swerving into opposing traffic or off the road. Give farm animals and ridden animals room, avoid frightening them with unnecessary horn use, and be alert for more animals following.

🔗 planalto.gov.br • Brazilian Traffic Code — applicable traffic, speed, priority, manoeuvre, access and stopping provisions; exact sections recorded in the audit register

🔗 gov.br • National warning manual — relevant hazard and advance-warning criteria

🔗 gov.br • DNIT — BR-262/MS Pantanal wildlife crossing context; current indexed official passage