Road Traffic in Brazil

If you are planning a trip to Brazil, you have probably already thought about the fastest way to get from one place to another. With a total of two million kilometers, Brazil has the second largest road network in the world. While many places can be reached by plane, there are some cities and beaches that are easier to reach by car. A rental car trip through Brazil is a good option to discover the different landscapes, cultures and diverse natural highlights. Our rental car tours through Brazil are perfect for self-discoverers, who want to get to know the diverse country and its people on their own.

To be allowed to drive in Brazil, you must be at least 18 years old and have a valid driver's license. A valid driving license and additionally the passport with the stamp for the tourist visa is sufficient for tourist stays.

To rent a car in Brazil, the tenants must be at least 21 years old, have a valid driver's license and at least 2 years of driving experience. Besides, a credit card, issued in the name of the driver, is required to block the security amount.

In Brazil, drivers drive on the right side of the road.

In Brazil, the speed limit is 31 mph (50 km/h) within built-up areas, up to 50 mph (80 km/h) outside built-up areas and 68-75 mph (110-120 km/h) on highways. But watch out, there are speed cameras in Brazil too! Therefore, you should always adhere to the speed limits.

In Brazil, the traffic rules are mostly identical to those in America and Europe. From our own experience, we advise you to drive with foresight in Brazil, so that dangerous situations can be avoided from the outset. The road signs also follow international standards. However, pay attention to the stop signs, as they do not say "Stop" but the Portuguese translation "Pare".

In Brazil, people do not fill up their cars themselves, but wait in the car, because an employee at the pump resumes the refueling. If necessary, the driver simply hands the key for unlocking the fuel cap through the car window and indicates what and how much he wants to fill up. Most vehicles drive with gasolina comum or alcóol. Payment is then made again at the window with a card or with cash in the tank store. The easiest way is to always fill up. "Favor completar com gasolina comum/alcóol." ("Please fill up with regular gasoline/alcohol.")

On many routes, there is a toll charge, which is indicated on signs in front of the toll station. Often the toll can only be paid in cash. Therefore it is recommended to always have some small change with you.

Brazilian traffic laws are very strict. So keep to the 0.00 percent blood alcohol limit! Violations of the "Lei Seca", the "dry law", are punished with harsh penalties such as immediate revocation of your driver's license or heavy fines.

No. Even if you get stuck in a traffic jam, it is enough for a fine if you hold the phone in your hands.

In Brazil, children up to the age of 7 ½ are required to use a child seat.

The condition of the roads in Brazil could not be more different. It ranges from very well maintained highways to roads with potholes and mud pits. In particular, the roads on which tolls are charged, especially around large cities, are in good condition. In more rural areas, on the other hand, one can occasionally come across potholes and dirt roads, which are called roads.

Even though traffic in large cities is sometimes a bit chaotic, many Brazilians drive considerately and leave room for other vehicles. For this, they thank you with a raised thumb or a light honk. The most difficult part of driving is often parking! As in most places in the world, the parking chaos in Brazil is not getting any less, especially in the big cities. In most tourist places and within the cities there are guarded parking lots, which we recommend.

On Brazilian roads, it is safe most of the time. Brazilians themselves travel to work and school by car, bus or subway every day, but they have learned to take care of their surroundings. It is best to avoid long distances or overland journeys in the dark. Do not drive into favelas and slums!

Do you know the most important words in road traffic in Portuguese? If not, we have prepared a small list of the most important words for you. The best thing is to learn them by heart or keep them handy.

Carteira de motorista = driver's license
Cinto de segurança = seat belt
Cruzamento = crossing
Desvio = redirection
Estacionamento = parking lot
Fiscalização eletrônica/Radar = speed cameras
Neblina = fog
Pare = stop
Pedágio = toll
Posto/Posto de gasolina = filling station
Quebra mole/Lombada = ground sill
Semáforo = traffic light
Velocidade = speed

Here is a tip for your next Brazil vacation. What do you think about a rental car trip along the Cocoa and Dendê Coast from Ilheus to Salvador? Get to know the varied and colorful Bahia from its most beautiful side on the "Rota Bahia". Immerse yourself in the colonial era on a historic cocoa fazenda and discover the fascinating rainforest Mata Atlântica while white-water rafting, before you head to the dream beaches of Bahia for a few relaxing days. The last part of the trip takes you to Salvador da Bahia, the Afro-Brazilian, cultural heart of Brazil.

Now you know the most important things about Brazilian road traffic. The only thing you need to do now is to pack your valid driver's license and passport, and you may start collecting unique and unforgettable memories during a rental car trip through Brazil.

Sources: blog.rentcars.com, www.autoeurope.de, www.brasilien.info