Support us

Railway crossingBrazil

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

8. Railway crossing

A railway crossing, also called a level crossing or railroad crossing, is a place where a road or path crosses railway tracks at the same level. It may be protected by barriers, warning lights, bells, traffic signs or a combination of these measures.

Road users must approach carefully and never enter when a train is approaching, warning signals are active or the exit is blocked. They should cross promptly and must never stop, wait or become trapped on the tracks.

Railway crossing
Railway-crossing signs on the Boa Vista–Guaianã route at kilometre 218. (Indaiatuba, São Paulo, Brazil)
Wikimedia.org • Amauri Aparecido Zardeto • CC BY
When must drivers stop at a railway level crossing in Brazil?

Stop before crossing railway tracks. Article 212 of Brazil’s Traffic Code requires a stop independently of a separate STOP sign. Check for trains and obey the crossing’s warnings, barriers and authorised directions before proceeding safely.

🔗 planalto.gov.br • Brazil, Traffic Code, Law 9,503, compiled text

Must I stop at every unguarded railway crossing in Brazil?

Yes. Article 212 requires drivers to stop before crossing railway tracks; the duty does not depend on a separate STOP sign or barriers. Look and listen for trains and proceed only when the crossing is safe and the applicable controls allow it.

🔗 planalto.gov.br • Brazil, Traffic Code, Law 9,503, compiled text

What if road traffic is queued beyond a railway crossing in Brazil?

Wait before the tracks until there is room to take your entire vehicle off the crossing. Do not follow another vehicle onto the tracks without checking the exit. Keep the tracks clear even if no train is visible.

🔗 planalto.gov.br • Brazil, Traffic Code, Law 9,503, compiled text

1 Brazil 2 Speed limit 3 Speed bump 4 Slope 5 Stop sign 6 Roundabout 7 Pedestrian crossing 8 Railway crossing 9 Turn prohibition 10 School area 11 Traffic lights 12 Traffic lights warning 13 Pedestrian lights 14 Driving licence 15 Location marker 16 No stopping 17 Disabled parking 18 Reversing 19 Oversize load 20 Tourist attraction 21 Horn 22 Charging station 23 Cyclist 24 Bus 25 Police 26 Ambulance 27 Pothole 28 Path 29 Particulates 30 Air pollution 31 Rush hour 32 Road code 33 Two-way traffic 34 Street gutter 35 Cargo bike 36 Forestry vehicle 37 Construction vehicle 38 Semi-trailer truck 39 Trolleybus 40 Speed pedelec 41 Delivery vehicle 42 Idling 43 Tow truck 44 Four-wheel drive 45 Bicycle 46 Motorcycle equipment 47 Tram 48 Rail track 49 Caravan 50 Trailer 51 Tow hitch 52 Fire truck 53 Siren 54 Convoy 55 Emergency vehicle lighting 56 Agricultural machinery 57 Electric bicycle 58 Electric vehicle 59 Pedelec 60 Quadricycle 61 Microcar 62 All-terrain vehicle 63 Van 64 Recreational vehicle 65 Scooter 66 Trikke 67 Personal mobility device 68 Skateboard 69 Segway 70 Kick scooter 71 Roller skates 72 Mailman 73 Hitchhiker 74 Toddler 75 Child 76 Disability 77 Motorail 78 km/h 79 mph 80 Speedometer 81 Ride height 82 Dirt road 83 Driving 84 Start-stop system 85 Manual transmission 86 Automatic transmission 87 Throttle 88 Tachometer 89 Steering wheel 90 Power steering 91 Visual scanning 92 Mirror 93 Fuel 94 Fuel gauge 95 Petrol 96 Diesel 97 Diesel exhaust fluid 98 Car insurance 99 First aid kit 100 Fire extinguisher ...