Traffic lightsBrazil
Traffic rules
Brazil
11. Traffic lights
Traffic lights use coloured lights, arrows or symbols to regulate when road users may proceed, must prepare to stop or must remain stopped. Separate signals may apply to particular directions, lanes, pedestrians, cyclists or public-transport vehicles.
A green light permits movement only when the route is clear and the movement is otherwise legal. Road users must still follow priority rules, turning restrictions, lane markings and instructions from authorised traffic controllers.
Wikimedia.org • Paulo_rsmenezes • CC BY-SA
What must a driver do at red, amber and green signals in Brazil?
Red requires a stop. Amber requires stopping unless doing so would create danger; do not accelerate to beat it. Green permits movement subject to the normal priority and safety rules, and you must not enter a blocked junction. A right turn on red needs the specific permission signage required by article 44-A.
🔗 detraneduca.pr.gov.br • Brazil, DETRAN-PR, traffic-light meanings; 🔗 planalto.gov.br • Brazil, Traffic Code, Law 9,503, compiled text
May you turn at a red traffic light in Brazil?
Do not assume a turn is permitted on red. The Brazilian Traffic Code provides an exception for a right turn on red where authorised by specific signage; pedestrians and other users must be protected.
🔗 planalto.gov.br • Brazil, Traffic Code, Law 9,503, compiled text
Can a green light remove the need to give way to pedestrians in Brazil?
No. A green signal is not a guarantee that the junction is empty. Check for people already crossing, vehicles completing a movement and any separate pedestrian, bicycle or turning signals. Do not enter if you cannot clear the junction safely.
🔗 planalto.gov.br • Brazil, Traffic Code, Law 9,503, compiled text
