Driving Tips in Brazil

Car Hire Depot information in Brazil

DriveAway Holidays offers the best rates and choices with reputable suppliers in Brazil. Our Suppliers are located in Rio De Janeiro and Sao Paulo in Brazil.

Car Hire Driving Distances in Brazil

• Rio De Janeiro to Sao Paulo – 440 kms (5hrs/15 mins)
• Rio De Janeiro to Belo Horizonte – 455 kms (5 hrs/ 40 mins)
• Sao Paulo to Belo Horizonte – 590 kms (7 hrs/ 35 mins)

Driving Licence

A full valid driver’s license is required for a minimum of 2 years. An International licence is required for Australian drivers licence holders.

Age Restrictions

Generally the minimum age is 21 years, but can vary between the car hire company and location. Maximum age limits apply in some locations, a young/senior driver surcharge may apply. Please check Terms and Conditions when making an enquiry or booking.

Rules and Regulations

General driving rules and regulations in Brazil;

• Drive on the right hand side of the road.
• Pass others on the left hand side of the road.
• Mobile Phones are not permitted while driving, with the exception of a hands-free system.
• All occupants in the vehicle must wear a seat belt.
• Driving while wearing thongs or leaning their elbow on the window sill is an offence.
• Drivers are to carry at all times while driving, a valid drivers licence, registration documents, road tax documents and insurance documents.

Equipment

The following equipment are required to be carried in the vehicle and which are to be used in the event of an incident, accident or breakdown.

• First-Aid Kit
• Fire Extinguisher

Child Safety Seats

Children aged under 4 years old must be seated in an appropriate child restraint. Any children under 12 years old should be seated in the back seats wearing a seat belt.

Speed Limits

The following speed limits apply while driving in Brazil, unless signed otherwise;

• Urban Areas (built up areas): 60km/h
• Rural Roads (outside towns): 80km/h
• Motorways: 120km/h

Speed limits may lower depending on the conditions, which may be caused by weather changes, road conditions or near by facilities such as hospitals or schools.

Drink Driving

The allowable blood alcohol content (BAC) limit in Brazil is 0.02mg/100ml. One drink of Brazilan alcohol will well and truly put you over the limit, so don't drink and drive otherwise you'll end up paying the fine.

Tolls

There are many roads in Brazil where a toll is payable. Motorists will need to pay the toll at a toll booth or toll plaza, either in cash or by credit card.

Road Signs

Regulatory Signs (eg. Speed Limits) instruct motorists what they must and should not do. These signs will vary in shapes, sizes and colour. A stop sign is another example of an regulatory sign which uses an octagon shape with a red background and the word 'PARE' in the middle, 'PARE' meaning stop. Warning Signs (eg. Changes in road conditions) warn motorists any potential hazard, obstacle or condition up ahead. These signs are generally yellow in colour with a black symbol in the middle. Information Signs (eg. Directions) provides motorists with direction information, street/road name/number, places of interest...etc. Signs with a green background provide information to roads/streets, suburbs and cities, while brown or blue signs are used for facilities and attractions.

Parking

It is recommended that you park your vehicle in a secure parking lot, which may be your hotel or paid parking. It is considered not safe to use on-street parking due to the high theft rate from vehicles. If you happen to use on-street parking, mark sure that all valuables are removed from the car, and all security options are utilized, such as steering wheel locks.

Visa Information

Visa, passport and entry requirements for Australians visiting Brazil;

• Australian passport holders are required to obtain a visa prior to departure. Contact the Consulate General of Brazil in your local state for additional information regarding visa's and entry requirements.
• A valid passport with a minimum of 6 months validity is required.
• A return/onward travel ticket/itinerary is required.

*Please note distances and time should only be used as a guide, and may vary according to the route taken.

Last Updated 16 May 2010