Brazil (BR)

School zones: 30 km/h. Urban areas (general): 50 km/h; arterial roads in São Paulo and other cities may have specific limits of 40–80 km/h depending on category and time of day. Highway category A (4+ lanes, access control): 110 km/h. Highway category B: 100 km/h. Rural roads: 80 km/h. Variable electronic speed signs apply on major toll roads. Radar/cameras enforce speed widely; speed cameras are ubiquitous on São Paulo's ring roads.

Lei Seca — zero-tolerance policy. Any detectable blood alcohol concentration triggers: administrative penalty: BRL 2,934.70 fine + 12-month licence suspension + vehicle seizure. Criminal DUI (above 0.06% BAC or refusing breath test): up to 3 years imprisonment + permanent licence prohibition (may be reinstated by court). Police conduct breathalyser checks (blitze) regularly, especially on weekends.

Using or even holding a mobile phone while driving or stopped at a red light is an infração gravíssima (very serious violation): BRL 293.47 fine + 7 penalty points. Smart cameras detect phone use in some cities. Even glancing at your phone screen counts. Hands-free mounting is permitted.

Mandatory for all occupants in all seats. Fine: BRL 293.47 + 5 penalty points per unbuckled occupant. The driver is responsible for ensuring all passengers are belted. Rear seatbelts are required and enforced.

Child restraints are mandatory under the CTB. Children up to 7.5 years: must use an age/height-appropriate child seat. Children 7.5–10 years: must use a booster seat. Children may not travel in the front seat (front airbag risk). Fine for non-compliance: BRL 293.47 + 5 points. Use INMETRO-certified child seats (Brazilian certification standard).

Vehicle registration (emplacamento) is administered by DETRAN in each state. On ownership transfer: submit the Contrato de Compra e Venda, CRLV (current registration), CPFs of both parties, proof of address and DETRAN transfer fee. The new CRLV is issued in the buyer's name. Transfers must be completed within 30 days. Vehicles must be licensed annually (licenciamento anual) and keep IPVA paid to maintain valid CRLV.

DPVAT (Seguro DPVAT — Danos Pessoais Causados por Veículos Automotores de Via Terrestres) is the compulsory vehicle injury insurance, included in the annual licensing fee (paid via DETRAN). DPVAT covers personal injury compensation only — it does NOT cover vehicle damage or third-party property damage. Comprehensive private auto insurance (seguro auto completo) from SUSEP-licensed insurers (Porto Seguro, Bradesco Seguros, SulAmérica, etc.) is strongly recommended and covers your vehicle and broader liability.

IPVA (Imposto sobre Propriedade de Veículos Automotores) is an annual state vehicle tax, typically 2–4% of the vehicle's FIPE reference value per year (rate varies by state and fuel type). São Paulo (4%), Minas Gerais (4%), Rio de Janeiro (4%) and other states have differing rates. Electric and hybrid vehicles receive reduced rates in many states. IPVA is paid annually in January–February; non-payment results in fines and prevents CRLV renewal.

Mandatory vehicle inspection rules vary by state and city. São Paulo: annual Inspeção Veicular (safety and emissions inspection) is required for vehicles over 3 years old, conducted by certified inspection centres (CONTROLAR for São Paulo). Some states have no mandatory inspection for private cars; commercial vehicles, taxis and heavy vehicles face stricter requirements nationally. Confirm your state's requirements with DETRAN or the municipal authority. São Paulo Inspeção Veicular fee: approximately BRL 150–250 (2026 estimate).

• •Cyclists must use Ciclovias (protected cycle lanes) and Ciclofaixas (marked cycle lanes) where they exist; it is an infração to cycle on the road when a ciclovia is available.
• •Lights (front white, rear red) are required at night.
• •Helmet is legally mandatory for cyclists in Brazil (CTB, Art. 58 — fine for non-compliance).
• •Cyclists must follow all traffic signals — running a red light is a fineable offence.
• •Cycling on expressways (rodovias) and major controlled-access roads is prohibited.
• •Cycling under the influence of alcohol: Lei Seca provisions may apply.

• •São Paulo: use the Ciclovia network and the Sunday Ciclofaixa de Lazer (car-free lanes on key avenues).
• •Rio de Janeiro: Ciclovia Tim Maia (Barra da Tijuca beachfront) is one of the most scenic routes in South America.
• •Bike-sharing (Bike Itaú, Tembici/Itaú Unibanco) operates in many major cities — an excellent option for urban rides.
• •Carry a chain lock and a U-lock — bicycle theft is common in cities.
• •Avoid displaying expensive bikes in areas marked as high-risk — use a modest lock cover or hire a cheaper city bike.
• •Join local cycling groups for safe routes, organised rides and security tips in your specific city.