Speed bumpBrazil

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

3. Speed bump

A speed bump is a raised traffic-calming device placed across all or part of a road to make drivers reduce their speed. It is commonly used near homes, schools, crossings, parking areas and other places where low vehicle speeds are important.

Speed bumps vary in shape, height and legal status. Drivers should approach them at a low, controlled speed and follow any warning signs or speed limits that apply.

Speed-bump warning on road MGC-383. (Cristina, Minas Gerais, Brazil)
Wikimedia.org • Py4nf • CC BY-SA

How should I recognise and approach a speed bump in Brazil?

Brazil’s Traffic Code addresses ondulações transversais, commonly called lombadas, as physical speed-reduction devices subject to the national traffic authority’s criteria. Distinguish one from a raised pedestrian crossing.

🔗 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 auxiliary-device manual — sections 5.1 humps and 5.2 raised crossings

Which speed should I use at a raised device in Brazil?

Read the accompanying speed restriction and reduce speed before the device. A numerical limit is a maximum; the height, profile, visibility and presence of pedestrians can require a slower approach.

🔗 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 auxiliary-device manual — sections 5.1 humps and 5.2 raised crossings

Does a raised road surface give pedestrians priority in Brazil?

A raised device alone does not identify pedestrian priority. If it incorporates a crossing, apply the crossing’s controls and the national rules. Pedestrians on a marked crossing have priority, subject to signal-controlled rules. If the signal changes before they finish, let them complete the crossing. At an unsignalised junction, pedestrians already crossing also have priority.

🔗 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 auxiliary-device manual — sections 5.1 humps and 5.2 raised crossings

Speed limit

Slope

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 ...