Driving in Brazil: A Guide for Foreigners
- Rachel
- Oct 22
- 7 min read
Updated: 6 days ago
Travelling Brazil by car is an excellent way to get access to parts of the country that are difficult to reach by public transport. Taking a road trip is perfect for visiting secluded beaches, stopping in small towns, and exploring national parks more deeply on your own schedule.
Driving is a great way to travel along the coast of Bahia, which is dotted with tiny beach towns, to explore the island of Florianopolis, which has numerous beaches spread all across the island, or for discovering hidden waterfalls in Chapada Diamantina National Park. Wherever you're travelling, car rental is affordable and widely available across the country.
While distances can be long, Brazil’s expanding network of paved highways and toll roads makes intercity travel straightforward.
Ready to plan your trip to Brazil? > Find cheap accommodation for your stay in Rio de Janeiro > Find cheap bus tickets to Rio de Janeiro
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Do you need an international drivers licence in Brazil?
Yes. Foreigners may drive in Brazil with a valid driver licence from their home country and an an International Driving Permit (PID), if their country is member of the Vienna Convention on Road Traffic (or signatory of other equivalent agreement with Brazil) - see the list of countries.
Foreign travellers can use an International Driving Permit for up to 180 days from the date of arrival. After this period, they must obtain a Brazilian licence to continue driving legally.
Licences must display a photograph and be written in Roman alphabet. If the licence does not meet these criteria, an official translation into Portuguese is required.
After 180 days in Brazil, foreigners who wish to keep driving must go to their local DETRAN office to undergo medical, psychological, and driving tests to obtain a Brazilian licence (CNH).
How to get a Brazilian Drivers Licence
Foreigners who stay in Brazil longer than 180 days must obtain a Brazilian driver licence. This process involves specific steps managed by the state traffic department (DETRAN).
Document Verification: Applicants must present a valid passport, proof of legal residence in Brazil, CPF (taxpayer identification number), and a valid foreign licence (must not be expired).
Translation and Validation: The foreign licence must be officially translated into Portuguese by a certified translator if it is not in Portuguese. DETRAN verifies the validity of the licence.
Medical and Psychological Tests: Applicants must complete a medical examination and a psychological evaluation at authorised clinics. These tests assess fitness to drive.
Written and Practical Tests: If the licence is from a country that has a reciprocity agreement with Brazil, the applicant may be exempt from practical testing. Otherwise, a written exam on traffic rules and a driving test may be required.
Issuing your Licence: Once all requirements are met, DETRAN issues the Brazilian licence (Carteira Nacional de Habilitação or CNH). The CNH is valid throughout Brazil and must be renewed every 5 years.
Road Rules and Traffic Laws in Brazil
PolÃcia Rodoviária Federal enforces traffic laws on federal highways. State and municipal police handle local roads. Checkpoints are common, especially at night or near borders. Make sure you carry your passport, International Driving Permit, home licence, vehicle registration, and insurance documents. Traffic cameras are also used.
If you get a fine, payment can usually be made online or at authorised banks. Unpaid fines can affect rental car returns.
Here are some important rules to know before you drive in Brazil. This is just a selection of the most important rules - make sure you're aware of all of Brazil's traffic laws before you drive.
Brazilians drive on the right-hand side of the road
Seatbelts are required for the driver and all passengers
The legal blood alcohol limit in Brazil is 0.0. Brazil enforces a zero tolerance policy on drink driving. Penalties can include fines, licence suspension, and vehicle seizure.
Speed limits are displayed in kilometres per hour. Urban speed limits typically range from 40 to 60 km/h. Rural roads often have limits between 80 and 100 km/h. Highways may have speed limits up to 120 km/h. Limits differ by state.
Use of headlights is mandatory during the day on highways
The use of mobile phones while driving is prohibited
Motorcyclists must wear helmets
Drivers must give way to pedestrians at marked crossings
Road Conditions
Brazil’s road network includes federal highways (BR), state highways, and municipal roads. Conditions vary significantly between regions. Major highways near large cities are generally well maintained, however rural roads may be unsealed and in poor condition.
Toll roads are common on major highways. Tolls can be paid in cash at toll booths or through electronic systems such as Sem Parar, ConectCar, and Veloe. Electronic systems use a tag placed on the vehicle’s windscreen that allows automatic payment when passing through toll points. You can link the tag to a credit card or a prepaid account. Many rental agencies offer vehicles with these tags already installed.
Renting a car in Brazil
Foreigners can rent cars in Brazil using a valid passport, credit card, International Driving Permit, and home country licence. Most rental agencies require the driver to be at least 21 years old and to have held a licence for at least two years. Some agencies may charge additional fees for drivers under 25.
Basic insurance is included in most rental contracts, with additional coverage available for an extra cost.
Tips for renting a car in Brazil:
Inspect the vehicle and record any existing damage before leaving the rental location. Take photos or videos of the car before leaving the dealership.
Download Waze. This is the best navigation app for Brazil, showing real-time traffic conditions and optimised routes. However, Waze cannot be used offline.
In rural areas, mobile signal coverage is limited, so it's best to download offline Google Maps for your trip
Make sure you have a functioning sim card with plenty of data
Find out if your car has a tag for tolls or if you will need to carry cash
Read the rental agreement carefully, as conditions vary by company
Parking in Brazil
Having a car in major cities is not ideal, due to parking limitations and heavy traffic. If you do plan to drive in the city, parking can be controlled through the Zona Azul system, which uses prepaid cards or mobile apps. Time limits and fees apply in these zones. Illegally parked vehicles may be towed or fined.
Many cities have congestion during peak hours, particularly in São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro. Make sure you allow additional time for travel.
What to do if you have a car accident in Brazil: Emergency Services
In the event of an accident, drivers must remain at the scene, secure the area, and call emergency services. The general emergency number is 190 for police and 192 for medical assistance.
All accidents involving injuries must be reported to the police. Minor accidents can often be resolved directly between the drivers if no injuries occur.
Roadside assistance is available through insurance policies and rental agencies. Check your policy and make sure you understand what to do in case of an accident.
Is it safe to drive in Brazil?
On major highways and toll roads, conditions are generally reliable with regular patrols and assistance services. Many tourists drive along the coast between Rio de Janeiro and Sao Paulo, and Brazil's northeast coast, without issues.
In contrast, some rural and coastal roads are unsealed. The Maraú Peninsula in Bahia is a notable example, where the main access road is dirt, full of potholes, and becomes muddy in the wet season. Other rural areas in the Amazon region and the interior of Minas Gerais also have unsealed sections. Travelling on these roads requires slower speeds and planning for variable surface conditions. Some roads require a 4x4.
Tourists are often concerned about reports online of muggings or carjackings. In reality, these incidents are uncommon, and even less common on major roads and highways. The vast majority drivers travel safely without issues when following standard precautions.
Here are some tips to stay safe while driving in Brazil:
Keep your windows closed and doors locked in high traffic urban areas - especially in major cities like Rio de Janeiro and Sao Paulo. Passengers should avoid using their phone and keep valuables hidden.
Avoid unnecessary stops at night in isolated locations
In major cities, especially Rio de Janeiro, take extra care not to drive into a favela. Triple check your GPS directions as it may direct you through an area that you should not enter.
Be aware that many Brazilian drivers will not stop at red lights late at night in major cities. Drive carefully and be aware of your surroundings.
Plan your routes in advance and understand the road conditions alone your route. Check if your car can safely drive on dirt or sand roads if travelling to rural destinations.
For most tourists and long-term residents, driving in Brazil is considered safe when basic precautions are taken and road conditions are respected.
More resources for planning your trip to Brazil
Find cheap bus, ferry, and private transfer tickets on Bookaway, where you can make reservations ahead of time from abroad. Or, rent a car and give yourself the freedom to explore at your own pace.
Find your perfect accommodation on Booking.com, with thousands of options ranging from luxury hotels to budget-friendly backpacker hostels
You're not ready to travel until you have travel insurance. I recommend Safety Wing to my friends, family, and anyone travelling internationally. Get a free quote
Forgetting something? Read my packing check-list for Brazil, and my list of 10 things you should do before you travel to Brazil