Is an international driving permit mandatory?
Legal framework:
An International Driving Permit (IDP) is mandatory. 1968 Vienna Convention format — 3-year validity.
Rules of conduct in Brazil
Speed limit: generally 60 km/h in town (often 50 km/h on major avenues), 80 to 110 km/h on roads and up to 120 km/h on certain highways.
Blood alcohol level: application of the “Lei Seca” (Dry Law) implying absolute ZERO tolerance (0.0 g/l).
The controls (blitz) are strict and the fines are very heavy, with immediate suspension of the license.
The fire extinguisher is no longer compulsory for passenger cars, but the first aid kit and triangle remain.
Tips from easy-idp.org
"Driving is on the right.
The greatest physical danger on Brazilian roads is the "Lombada" (speed bump): they are very high, extremely frequent when approaching inhabited areas, and sometimes erased or poorly signposted, requiring a slowdown to walking pace.
In some large metropolitan areas (such as São Paulo or Rio de Janeiro), it is tolerated by the police to carefully roll through red lights between 10:00 PM and 6:00 AM to avoid the risks of assault (carjacking).
Local driving can be aggressive; stay in the right lane and let hurried drivers pass."
Watch our driving tips Short
Video plays here — stay on this page to order your International Driving Permit.