Everything you need to know about driving in Brazil as a foreigner
Driving in Brazil is something many travelers consider when planning their first trip. As a local, we’re here to give you the inside scoop on what it’s like to drive in Brazil and the things you need to know before you hop behind the wheel.
I will be honest, driving in Brazil can feel very challenging for people used to the US or European traffic only. But we are not here to scare you – our goal is to show you everything you need to know so you can make your own decisions about what is the best transport option for your trip.
Since we are an international couple, we bring a very unique view – Fe brings the local perspective of being born and raised in Rio de Janeiro, and Edo brings the foreign view. Together, we were able to identify the most important tips and tricks that would be useful for you as a foreigner driving in Brazil. So let’s dive in!
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Need to rent a car in Brazil?
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General rules about driving in Brazil
The first thing you must know is that there are some general Brazilian traffic laws that you must follow, no matter which state or city you are visiting. Here are a few important rules you need to know for driving in Brazil:
- The minimum driving age in Brazil is 18 years old.
- Speed limits in Brazil are usually measured by automatic radars with cameras that will flash you on the road. There can also be policemen with manual checks, but those occur rarely compared to the speed cameras, which are everywhere. (more on speed limits and cameras in the next section)
- There are a lot of motorcycles and they drive in between the cars, often in between lanes. Be very careful when switching lanes.
- Most cars in Brazil have manual transmission (stick), even the rental ones. If you can only drive automatic cars, make sure you request it specifically when renting it.
- Brazil has a zero tolerance for alcohol when driving. In larger cities, it is very common to have police checks at night specifically for checking the driver’s alcohol levels through the breath exam. These are called “blitz”.
- Seat belts are obligatory for everyone in the car.
- Gas stations are not self-service, once you stop, a worker will come help you and he/she will operate the pump. The clients are never the ones who operate the pump themselves. You don’t need to pay extra for the worker, but you are free to tip them if you want.
- Get used to speed bumps when driving in Brazil. They are very often used on smaller roads, but can sometimes be seen on larger highways as well.
Do you need to rent a car for your trip?
We always use DiscoverCars to rent our car. So far it has proved to be not only the cheapest option but also the most reliable one. We used DiscoverCars to rent our car for our trips through Slovenia, Montenegro, Serbia, Italy, and so many other countries, and we never had any issues. We even convinced all of our friends and family to use it. So that’s why we are also recommending it to you!
Speed limits in Brazil
Brazil has a unified speed limit system that is defined for the whole national territory, but keep in mind that there can be exceptions.
The official speed limits in Brazil are split between urban and rural areas.
Urban areas
- Fast roads: 80 km/h
- Connecting roads: 40-60 km/h
- Local roads: 30 km/h
Rural areas
- Unpaved roads: 60 km/h
- Paved roads: 90-110 km/h
There are a few highways where the speed limit is higher than 110 km/h. This is possible because there is a law that says that if the road is fully controlled and with proper signs, they can establish a speed limit different than those defined above.
You are probably wondering “but how would you know about these exceptions?”
Always pay attention to the speed signs when driving in Brazil!
It can be confusing even for us locals to identify which type of road you are driving on at all times.
Don’t worry, all you have to do is look for the signs.
In Brazil, there will always be speed signs on the side of the road to guide you. As long as you stick to the limit provided, you will be ok when driving in Brazil.
Speed cameras when driving in Brazil
One thing to be aware of is the speed cameras. American travelers who drive in Brazil for the first time often point out that there are a lot of cameras, especially within the cities.
Indeed, the Brazilian traffic system relies heavily on the automated speed system. Be careful and drive within the speed limit to avoid any issues.
This is how the speed cameras in Brazil work:
- The cameras are placed on the side of the road
- When you pass through, if you are speeding, it takes a picture
- The fine will automatically be sent to the address where the vehicle is registered (if you will be renting a car in Brazil, the rental company will receive the fine and forward it to you)
- The fine needs to be paid within a certain timeframe and the owner of the vehicle gets a few points on their license (the points can be transferred to the driver if the owner wasn’t the one behind the wheel)
Especially within cities like São Paulo or Rio de Janeiro, there are some cameras that seem to be placed literally to trick you – on the exact point where the speed limit changes, after a tunnel, or right on a curve. Before most radars, there is usually a sign saying “Fiscalização eletrônica”.
Read also: All about renting a car in Brazil
Road conditions in Brazil
Brazil is a big country and it is impossible for me to make a general statement that would apply to all regions. The road conditions vary a lot from one region to another. While highways are usually in good condition, some roads may be more bumpy than others.
In general, most tourists that come to Brazil for the first time are looking to rent a car in the South and Southwestern parts of the country (between Rio, São Paulo, Iguaçu and Florianópolis).
The good news is that these regions are also known as some of the regions with the best road conditions in Brazil. You can still find a lot of local roads with bad pavement and poor driving conditions, but if you stick to the main paths, you should be fine in most cases.
The highway that connects Rio to São Paulo, for example, is one of the most used in the country and it is in quite good condition.
Pro tip: we don’t recommend driving in large cities like Rio or São Paulo. The traffic and parking situation is too chaotic even for us locals. Public transport is much more pleasant and efficient for exploring the city.
Do you need to rent a car for your trip?
We always use DiscoverCars to rent our car. So far it has proved to be not only the cheapest option but also the most reliable one. We used DiscoverCars to rent our car for our trips through Slovenia, Montenegro, Serbia, Italy, and so many other countries, and we never had any issues. We even convinced all of our friends and family to use it. So that’s why we are also recommending it to you!
Safety tips for driving in Brazil
Here are a few things to have in mind when driving in Brazil:
- Be mindful about motorcycles, especially when switching lanes.
- Don’t keep your windows rolled down when stopped at red lights and stuck in traffic.
- If you are driving at night (after 22h), you don’t need to stop at red lights if the road is entirely empty (of course, you need to check beforehand)
- There are almost no roundabouts in Brazil, we always use crossroads. They are still the main source of accidents, so keep an eye out for them.
- Brazilian drivers tend to not use their blinkers much (it is a terrible habit, I know), so you need to be a bit more attentive.
- Always have cash on you for the tolls – in most cases, you cannot pay by card.
Driving in Brazil: Figuring out parking
Parking in Brazil is a tricky topic because guards go around quite often and people have their cars towed more often than they would like.
Always make sure you are parking on an authorized spot. In larger cities like Rio, there are signs everywhere with the times when parking is chargeable and times when it is free. In most cases, overnight it is free but during the day, you must pay a fee.
Most public parking places don’t use parking machines – it is usually a person who comes and gives you a parking ticket that you should put on the front mirror.
PS: As I mentioned, in many places, when you park, there will be a guy who comes to charge you for the parking. If they don’t give you a ticket, they are charging it illegally (they are not part of the regulated system I mentioned above). These are called “flanelinhas”. They always try overcharging tourists, so be mindful and avoid them if you can.
Oh, and get ready for parallel parking. I was born used to it but once I moved abroad, I realized that many foreigners are not used to parallel parking much and it is very common in Brazil.
Do you need to rent a car for your trip?
We always use DiscoverCars to rent our car. So far it has proved to be not only the cheapest option but also the most reliable one. We used DiscoverCars to rent our car for our trips through Slovenia, Montenegro, Serbia, Italy, and so many other countries, and we never had any issues. We even convinced all of our friends and family to use it. So that’s why we are also recommending it to you!
FAQ: Popular questions about driving in Brazil
Can tourists drive in Brazil?
Yes, tourists are allowed to drive in Brazil as long as they have a valid driver’s license and passport.
Want more info about renting a car in Brazil? Check our blog!
Can I drive in Brazil with a foreign license?
Yes, according to the latest rules, you just need to have a valid driver’s license and a passport. Your driving license can be issued anywhere.
Do I need an International Driving Permit for driving in Brazil?
No, you do not need an International Driving Permit (IDP) for driving in Brazil. You can drive with your US driving license, Canadian driving license, UK driving license… any of them.
Is it safe for tourists to drive in Brazil?
Yes, it is safe for tourists to drive in Brazil as long as you practice common sense and follow the rules. The most important thing is to make sure you are careful when driving and aware of your surroundings.
Read again our safety tips above for driving in Brazil.
How easy is it to drive in Brazil?
Driving in Brazil can be easy or hard depending on the place and your experience.
Driving in Brazilian cities can be a bit tricky due to traffic, but in other places, it is quite easy. We only recommend it for experienced drivers though, since it can be quite different from what you are used to back in your home country.
Is drunk driving legal in Brazil?
No, drunk driving is not legal in Brazil and the penalty can be severe.
Throughout the country, there is zero tolerance for drunk driving which means that if you are stopped and asked to do the breath test, you should score zero.
What is the penalty for drunk driving in Brazil?
The penalty for drunk driving in Brazil can be severe and vary from State to State. Generally, the penalties include hefty fines and suspension of the driving license.
This is something we strongly advise you to be careful about, as there are constant road checks called “blitz”. If you plan on drinking, it is better to take an Uber, bus, or any other transport option.
Can you turn right on red in Brazil?
In Brazil, you cannot turn right on the red light unless there is a sign strictly allowing you to do so.
What side of the road do they drive in Brazil?
In Brazil, they drive on the right-hand side of the road.
Are cars in Brazil right-hand drive?
No, cars in Brazil are left-hand drive. If you rent a car, keep that in mind and make sure to double-check the gear shift before starting your trip.
What kind of cars do they drive in Brazil?
In Brazil, you can see a variety of cars on the roads. Since it is such a large country with many different climates, you can find cars from small city runabouts to powerful SUVs, and even luxury models like Mercedes Benz or BMWs.
One thing that is worth mentioning is that most cars in Brazil have manual switch, including the ones available at car rental companies. If you cannot drive stick, make sure you pay attention to this information when renting a car in Brazil.
In conclusion, driving in Brazil can be a unique and exciting part of your travel experience. Being mindful of the local rules and customs can ensure a safe and enjoyable trip.
If there is anything else that you need to know and we forgot to cover, feel free to reach out!
We wish you incredible adventures in Brazil!
Organizing your trip
To help you plan your trip to Brazil, we have put together our favorite planning resources:
- Flights: Get affordable flights to Brazil on Skyscanner.com.
- Travel insurance: Make sure you are protected during your trip. We use SafetyWing whenever we are traveling abroad.
- Renting a car: We always use Discover Cars to get the best car deals.
- Accommodation: Find the best hotels and apartments on Booking.com.
- Activities: Get fun ideas of what to do and buy unique activities with Get Your Guide.
- SIM Card: Stay connected during your trip with Airalo.
- Personalized itinerary: We can create a travel plan tailored to your wishes!
- Rio de Janeiro map: All of our favorite places on one map.
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