Prohibitory signsBrazil

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

Prohibitory signs

A prohibitory sign is a traffic sign that tells drivers what is not allowed on that specific road or in that situation. These signs impose restrictions such as no entry, no overtaking, no parking, speed limits, or bans on certain types of vehicles. Their purpose is to clearly indicate actions that are forbidden to ensure safety, maintain traffic flow, and protect vulnerable road users.

Vehicles wider than indicated prohibited.

Vehicles higher than indicated prohibited.

Vehicles longer than indicated prohibited.

Vehicles heavier than indicated prohibited.

Vehicles exceeding the axle-load limit prohibited.

How are prohibitory signs classified in Brazil?

Regulatory signage includes prohibitions and restrictions. Follow the specific symbol and applicable scope.

🔗 gov.br • CONTRAN national sign manual Volume I — relevant regulatory signs, scope and supplementary conditions; later amendments separately checked

🔗 gov.br • CONTRAN Resolution 973/2022 — national signalling framework and manual volumes

🔗 planalto.gov.br • Brazilian Traffic Code — Articles 80, 87–89, signs and precedence

What does a no-turn sign prohibit in Brazil?

It prohibits the left, right or other turn shown at the junction or position controlled by the sign in Brazil. Follow any supplementary panel or authorised direction and choose another legal route.

🔗 gov.br • CONTRAN national sign manual Volume I — relevant regulatory signs, scope and supplementary conditions; later amendments separately checked

🔗 gov.br • CONTRAN Resolution 973/2022 — national signalling framework and manual volumes

🔗 planalto.gov.br • Brazilian Traffic Code — Articles 80, 87–89, signs and precedence

Can a no-turn restriction apply only to certain vehicles or hours in Brazil?

Yes, where the local sign system provides a supplementary condition or exemption, such as a vehicle class, time or authorised access. Without a valid exception, comply with the prohibited movement shown.

🔗 gov.br • CONTRAN national sign manual Volume I — relevant regulatory signs, scope and supplementary conditions; later amendments separately checked

🔗 gov.br • CONTRAN Resolution 973/2022 — national signalling framework and manual volumes

🔗 planalto.gov.br • Brazilian Traffic Code — Articles 80, 87–89, signs and precedence

1. Pedestrians prohibited

This traffic sign indicates that pedestrians are prohibited. Pedestrians may not enter or continue beyond the sign. Other road users may still be permitted unless another restriction applies.

English • Traffic sign R-29 • No pedestrians. Pedestrian traffic is prohibited in the signed area, road or carriageway.

Português • R-29 • Proibido trânsito de pedestres. Proíbe o trânsito de pedestres na área, via ou pista sinalizada.

Sources

🔗 Commons.wikimedia.org (Amateria1121 • CC BY-SA 3.0)
🔗 Gov.br • CONTRAN/SENATRAN: MBST, Volume I, página PDF 144

SVG source: Amateria1121 • CC BY-SA 3.0 • Original revision 2014-04-09. Wikimedia original unmodified.

2. Cyclists prohibited

This traffic sign indicates that cyclists are prohibited. Cyclists may not enter or continue beyond the sign. Other road users may still be permitted unless another restriction applies.

English • Traffic sign R-12 • No bicycles. Bicycle traffic is prohibited in the signed area, road, carriageway or lane.

Português • R-12 • Proibido trânsito de bicicletas. Proíbe o trânsito de bicicletas na área, via, pista ou faixa sinalizada.

Sources

🔗 Commons.wikimedia.org (Amateria1121 • CC BY-SA 3.0)
🔗 Gov.br • CONTRAN/SENATRAN: MBST, Volume I, página PDF 103

SVG source: Amateria1121 • CC BY-SA 3.0 • Original revision 2014-04-09. Wikimedia original unmodified.

3. Motorcycles prohibited

This traffic sign indicates that motorcycles are prohibited. Motorcyclists may not enter or continue beyond the sign. Other road users may still be permitted unless another restriction applies.

English • Traffic sign R-37 • No motorcycles, scooters or mopeds. These vehicles are prohibited in the signed area, road, carriageway or lane.

Português • R-37 • Proibido trânsito de motocicletas, motonetas e ciclomotores. Proíbe o trânsito de motocicletas, motonetas e ciclomotores na área, via, pista ou faixa sinalizada.

Sources

🔗 Commons.wikimedia.org (Amateria1121 • CC BY-SA 3.0)
🔗 Gov.br • CONTRAN/SENATRAN: MBST, Volume I, página PDF 111

SVG source: Amateria1121 • CC BY-SA 3.0 • Original revision 2014-04-29. Wikimedia original unmodified.

4. Cars prohibited

This traffic sign indicates that cars are prohibited. Cars may not enter or continue beyond the sign. Other road users may still be permitted unless another restriction applies.

English • Traffic sign R-10 • No motor vehicles. Motor vehicles are prohibited in the signed area, road, carriageway or lane.

Português • R-10 • Proibido trânsito de veículos automotores. Proíbe o trânsito de veículos automotores na área, via, pista ou faixa sinalizada.

Sources

🔗 Commons.wikimedia.org (Amateria1121 • CC BY-SA 3.0)
🔗 Gov.br • CONTRAN/SENATRAN: MBST, Volume I, página PDF 99

SVG source: Amateria1121 • CC BY-SA 3.0 • Original revision 2014-04-09. Wikimedia original unmodified.

5. Trucks prohibited

This traffic sign indicates that trucks are prohibited. Trucks covered by the sign may not enter or continue beyond it. Any applicable weight threshold or vehicle-category limitation is determined by the sign, supplementary information and local rules.

English • Traffic sign R-9 • No lorries. Lorries are prohibited in the signed area, road, carriageway or lane.

Português • R-9 • Proibido trânsito de caminhões. Proíbe o trânsito de caminhões na área, via, pista ou faixa sinalizada.

Sources

🔗 Commons.wikimedia.org (Amateria1121 • CC BY-SA 3.0)
🔗 Gov.br • CONTRAN/SENATRAN: MBST, Volume I, página PDF 97

SVG source: Amateria1121 • CC BY-SA 3.0 • Original revision 2014-04-09. Wikimedia original unmodified.

6. Buses prohibited

This traffic sign indicates that buses are prohibited. Buses covered by the sign may not enter or continue beyond it. Other road users may still be permitted unless another restriction applies.

English • Traffic sign R-38 • No buses or coaches. These vehicles are prohibited in the signed area, road, carriageway or lane.

Português • R-38 • Proibido trânsito de ônibus. Proíbe o trânsito de ônibus na área, via, pista ou faixa sinalizada.

Sources

🔗 Commons.wikimedia.org (Amateria1121 • CC BY-SA 3.0)
🔗 Gov.br • CONTRAN/SENATRAN: MBST, Volume I, página PDF 113

SVG source: Amateria1121 • CC BY-SA 3.0 • Original revision 2014-04-09. Wikimedia original unmodified.

7. Tractors prohibited

This traffic sign indicates that tractors are prohibited. Tractors covered by the sign may not enter or continue beyond it. Other road users may still be permitted unless another restriction applies.

English • Traffic sign R-13 • No tractors or construction machinery. These vehicles are prohibited in the signed area, road, carriageway or lane.

Português • R-13 • Proibido trânsito de tratores e máquinas de obras. Proíbe o trânsito de tratores e máquinas de obras na área, via, pista ou faixa sinalizada.

Sources

🔗 Commons.wikimedia.org (Amateria1121 • CC BY-SA 3.0)
🔗 Gov.br • CONTRAN/SENATRAN: MBST, Volume I, página PDF 105

SVG source: Amateria1121 • CC BY-SA 3.0 • Original revision 2014-04-09. Wikimedia original unmodified.

8. Vehicles wider than indicated prohibited

This traffic sign indicates that vehicles wider than indicated are prohibited. A vehicle or vehicle combination whose overall width, including its load, exceeds the displayed limit may not continue beyond the sign.

English • Traffic sign R-16 • Maximum permitted width. Vehicles wider than the illustrated 3.0 m, including the load, are prohibited.

Português • R-16 • Largura máxima permitida. Proíbe a passagem de veículos cuja largura, incluindo a carga, ultrapasse 3,0 m, valor mostrado na ilustração.

Sources

🔗 Commons.wikimedia.org (Amateria1121 • CC BY-SA 3.0)
🔗 Gov.br • CONTRAN/SENATRAN: MBST, Volume I, página PDF 125

SVG source: Amateria1121 • CC BY-SA 3.0 • Original revision 2014-04-09. Wikimedia original unmodified.

9. Vehicles higher than indicated prohibited

This traffic sign indicates that vehicles higher than indicated are prohibited. A vehicle or vehicle combination whose overall height, including its load, exceeds the displayed limit may not continue beyond the sign.

English • Traffic sign R-15 • Maximum permitted height. Vehicles higher than the illustrated 4.5 m, including the load, are prohibited.

Português • R-15 • Altura máxima permitida. Proíbe a passagem de veículos cuja altura, incluindo a carga, ultrapasse 4,5 m, valor mostrado na ilustração.

Sources

🔗 Commons.wikimedia.org (Amateria1121 • CC BY-SA 3.0)
🔗 Gov.br • CONTRAN/SENATRAN: MBST, Volume I, página PDF 123

SVG source: Amateria1121 • CC BY-SA 3.0 • Original revision 2014-04-09. Wikimedia original unmodified.

10. Vehicles longer than indicated prohibited

This traffic sign indicates that vehicles longer than indicated are prohibited. A vehicle or vehicle combination whose overall length, including its load, exceeds the displayed limit may not continue beyond the sign.

English • Traffic sign R-18 • Maximum permitted length. Vehicles or combinations longer than the illustrated 10 m are prohibited.

Português • R-18 • Comprimento máximo permitido. Proíbe a passagem de veículos ou combinações cujo comprimento ultrapasse 10 m, valor mostrado na ilustração.

Sources

🔗 Commons.wikimedia.org (Amateria1121 • CC BY-SA 3.0)
🔗 Gov.br • CONTRAN/SENATRAN: MBST, Volume I, página PDF 129

SVG source: Amateria1121 • CC BY-SA 3.0 • Original revision 2014-04-09. Wikimedia original unmodified.

11. Vehicles heavier than indicated prohibited

This traffic sign indicates that vehicles heavier than indicated are prohibited. Vehicles or vehicle combinations exceeding the displayed mass limit may not continue beyond the sign. The legally relevant mass is determined by the applicable local rules.

English • Traffic sign R-14 • Maximum permitted gross mass. Vehicles whose gross mass exceeds the illustrated 10 t are prohibited.

Português • R-14 • Peso bruto total máximo permitido. Proíbe a passagem de veículos cujo peso bruto total ultrapasse 10 t, valor mostrado na ilustração.

Sources

🔗 Commons.wikimedia.org (Amateria1121 • CC BY-SA 3.0)
🔗 Gov.br • CONTRAN/SENATRAN: MBST, Volume I, página PDF 121

SVG source: Amateria1121 • CC BY-SA 3.0 • Original revision 2014-04-09. Wikimedia original unmodified.

12. Vehicles exceeding the axle-load limit prohibited

This traffic sign indicates that vehicles exceeding the indicated axle-load limit are prohibited. A vehicle whose load on an axle exceeds the displayed limit may not continue beyond the sign.

English • Traffic sign R-17 • Maximum permitted axle load. Vehicles whose axle load exceeds the illustrated 2 t are prohibited.

Português • R-17 • Peso máximo permitido por eixo. Proíbe a passagem de veículos cujo peso por eixo ultrapasse 2 t, valor mostrado na ilustração.

Sources

🔗 Commons.wikimedia.org (Amateria1121 • CC BY-SA 3.0)
🔗 Gov.br • CONTRAN/SENATRAN: MBST, Volume I, página PDF 127

SVG source: Amateria1121 • CC BY-SA 3.0 • Original revision 2014-04-09. Wikimedia original unmodified.

13. Turning left prohibited

This traffic sign indicates that turning left is prohibited. A left turn may not be made where the sign applies. Other movements may still be permitted unless another restriction applies.

English • Traffic sign R-4a • No left turn. Turning left at the signed location is prohibited.

Português • R-4a • Proibido virar à esquerda. Proíbe realizar a conversão à esquerda no local sinalizado.

Sources

🔗 Commons.wikimedia.org (Amateria1121 • CC BY-SA 3.0)
🔗 Gov.br • CONTRAN/SENATRAN: MBST, Volume I, página PDF 63

SVG source: Amateria1121 • CC BY-SA 3.0 • Original revision 2014-04-09. Wikimedia original unmodified.

14. Turning right prohibited

This traffic sign indicates that turning right is prohibited. A right turn may not be made where the sign applies. Other movements may still be permitted unless another restriction applies.

English • Traffic sign R-4b • No right turn. Turning right at the signed location is prohibited.

Português • R-4b • Proibido virar à direita. Proíbe realizar a conversão à direita no local sinalizado.

Sources

🔗 Commons.wikimedia.org (Amateria1121 • CC BY-SA 3.0)
🔗 Gov.br • CONTRAN/SENATRAN: MBST, Volume I, página PDF 65

SVG source: Amateria1121 • CC BY-SA 3.0 • Original revision 2014-04-09. Wikimedia original unmodified.

15. Turning around prohibited (U-turn)

This traffic sign indicates that turning around (making a U-turn) is prohibited. A U-turn may not be made where the prohibition applies. Other movements may still be permitted unless another restriction applies.

English • Traffic sign R-5a • No left U-turn. Turning around to the left at the signed location is prohibited.

Português • R-5a • Proibido retornar à esquerda. Proíbe realizar o retorno à esquerda no local sinalizado.

Sources

🔗 Commons.wikimedia.org (Amateria1121 • CC BY-SA 3.0)
🔗 Gov.br • CONTRAN/SENATRAN: MBST, Volume I, página PDF 67

SVG source: Amateria1121 • CC BY-SA 3.0 • Original revision 2014-04-09. Wikimedia original unmodified.

16. Driving straight ahead prohibited

This traffic sign indicates that driving straight ahead is prohibited. Traffic may not continue straight ahead where the sign applies. Other movements may still be permitted unless another restriction applies.

English • Traffic sign R-3 • Prohibited direction. Vehicles must not travel on the road or carriageway in the direction indicated.

Português • R-3 • Sentido proibido. Proíbe o trânsito de veículos na via ou pista no sentido indicado pelo sinal.

Sources

🔗 Commons.wikimedia.org (Amateria1121 • CC BY-SA 3.0)
🔗 Gov.br • CONTRAN/SENATRAN: MBST, Volume I, página PDF 60

SVG source: Amateria1121 • CC BY-SA 3.0 • Original revision 2014-04-09. Wikimedia original unmodified.

17. Overtaking prohibited

This traffic sign indicates that overtaking is prohibited. The vehicles covered by the prohibition and any categories that may still be overtaken depend on the applicable local rules.

English • Traffic sign R-7 • No overtaking. Prohibits overtaking using the lane for opposing traffic on the regulated section.

Português • R-7 • Proibido ultrapassar. Proíbe ultrapassar utilizando a faixa destinada ao sentido oposto de circulação, no trecho regulamentado.

Sources

🔗 Commons.wikimedia.org (Amateria1121 • CC BY-SA 3.0)
🔗 Gov.br • CONTRAN/SENATRAN: MBST, Volume I, página PDF 85

SVG source: Amateria1121 • CC BY-SA 3.0 • Original revision 2014-04-09. Wikimedia original unmodified.

18. End of the overtaking prohibition

This traffic sign indicates the end of the overtaking prohibition. The preceding overtaking restriction ends at this point. Overtaking remains subject to the applicable traffic rules and any other restrictions.

English • Traffic sign R-7 + End • End of overtaking prohibition. The supplementary word ‘End’ marks the end of the prohibited section. Overtake only where other rules and safety conditions permit.

Português • R-7 + Término • Término da proibição de ultrapassar. A informação complementar Término indica o fim do trecho em que vale a proibição de ultrapassar. Ultrapasse somente quando as demais regras e as condições de segurança permitirem.

Sources

🔗 Commons.wikimedia.org (Amateria1121 • CC BY-SA 4.0)
🔗 Gov.br • CONTRAN/SENATRAN: MBST, Volume I, página PDF 85

SVG source: Amateria1121 • CC BY-SA 4.0 • Original revision 2014-10-27. Wikimedia original unmodified.

19. Start of a speed limit

This traffic sign indicates the start of a speed limit. The displayed value is the maximum permitted speed from this point. The limit remains in force until it ends or is replaced according to the applicable traffic signs and local rules.

English • Traffic sign R-19 • Maximum permitted speed. Sets an 80 km/h maximum, as illustrated. Reduce speed when conditions require.

Português • R-19 • Velocidade máxima permitida. Estabelece a velocidade máxima de 80 km/h, valor mostrado na ilustração. Reduza a velocidade quando as condições exigirem.

Sources

🔗 Commons.wikimedia.org (Amateria1121 • CC BY-SA 3.0)
🔗 Gov.br • CONTRAN/SENATRAN: MBST, Volume I, página PDF 35

SVG source: Commons.wikimedia.org • Original SVG
Amateria1121 • CC BY-SA 3.0 • Original revision 2022-12-29. Wikimedia original unmodified.

Artwork reviewed against the Brazilian Manual Brasileiro de Sinalização de Trânsito (current SENATRAN catalogue): Gov.br • R-19, PDF page 35. Intentional educational illustration update from the previous PNG; original SVG unmodified.

20. Entry prohibited (checkpoint)

This traffic sign indicates a checkpoint with restricted entry. Road users may not proceed beyond the checkpoint unless they are authorised or permitted to continue according to the applicable rules and instructions.

English • Traffic sign R-21 • Customs. Indicates a customs office and compulsory stop. Stop and follow the officials' instructions.

Português • R-21 • Alfândega. Indica a presença de uma repartição alfandegária e a obrigatoriedade de parada. Pare e siga as instruções do controle.

Sources

🔗 Commons.wikimedia.org (Amateria1121 • CC BY-SA 3.0)
🔗 Gov.br • CONTRAN/SENATRAN: MBST, Volume I, página PDF 119

SVG source: Amateria1121 • CC BY-SA 3.0 • Original revision 2014-04-09. Wikimedia original unmodified.

21. Parking prohibited

This traffic sign indicates that parking is prohibited. Vehicles may not be parked in the area covered by the sign unless an exception applies. Brief stopping to pick up or drop off passengers or to load or unload goods may still be permitted where local rules allow it.

English • Traffic sign R-6a • No parking. Applies on the signed section or area. This sign alone does not prohibit stopping to pick up or set down passengers.

Português • R-6a • Proibido estacionar. Proíbe estacionar no trecho ou área sinalizada. Este sinal, por si só, não proíbe a parada para embarque ou desembarque de passageiros.

Sources

🔗 Commons.wikimedia.org (Amateria1121 • CC BY-SA 3.0)
🔗 Gov.br • CONTRAN/SENATRAN: MBST, Volume I, página PDF 131

SVG source: Amateria1121 • CC BY-SA 3.0 • Original revision 2014-04-09. Wikimedia original unmodified.

22. Parking and stopping prohibited

This traffic sign indicates that parking and stopping are prohibited. Vehicles may not stop or park voluntarily where the restriction applies, except where an applicable rule provides an exemption or stopping is required by traffic conditions.

English • Traffic sign R-6c • No stopping or parking. Both are prohibited in the signed section or area.

Português • R-6c • Proibido parar e estacionar. Proíbe parar e estacionar no trecho ou área sinalizada.

Sources

🔗 Commons.wikimedia.org (Amateria1121 • CC BY-SA 3.0)
🔗 Gov.br • CONTRAN/SENATRAN: MBST, Volume I, página PDF 141

SVG source: Amateria1121 • CC BY-SA 3.0 • Original revision 2014-04-09. Wikimedia original unmodified.