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Car Hire in Brazil: What to Know Before You Drive

Once you have collected your car, use this guide for Brazil's speed limits, toll roads, city traffic, fuel choices, driving licence rules and the long-distance conditions you can encounter on a Brazilian road trip.

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Before you leave the rental car park

Brazil is a very large country and driving conditions vary greatly between major cities, modern toll highways and more remote regional roads. Spend a few minutes preparing before setting off.

  • Check the fuel type: many Brazilian cars are flex-fuel vehicles, so confirm exactly what your rental car can use before refuelling.
  • Find the controls: locate the lights, indicators, wipers, hazard lights, demister and parking brake.
  • Check existing damage: make sure visible damage is recorded and consider taking your own photographs.
  • Ask about tolls: check whether the car has an electronic toll tag and how the rental company handles both conventional and Free Flow tolls.
  • Set navigation while parked: enter your first destination before joining traffic.
  • Save assistance details: keep the rental provider's roadside-assistance number accessible.
  • Plan long journeys: check realistic journey times, fuel stops and road conditions rather than judging distance from a national map.

Drive on the right

Traffic drives on the right in Brazil. Visitors accustomed to driving on the left should take particular care after turns and when leaving car parks, service stations and quiet side roads.

  • Overtaking: normally overtake on the left.
  • After turning: consciously return to the right-hand side.
  • Motorways and highways: use the appropriate lane and avoid remaining unnecessarily in an overtaking lane.
  • Motorcycles: check mirrors and blind spots carefully before changing lane, particularly in major cities.
  • Junctions: follow traffic lights, signs and road markings rather than assuming priority.

Speed limits in Brazil

Posted signs take priority. Where there is no regulatory speed sign, Brazil's Traffic Code provides different defaults according to the type of road.

  • Urban express roads: up to 80 km/h.
  • Urban arterial roads: up to 60 km/h.
  • Urban collector roads: up to 40 km/h.
  • Urban local roads: up to 30 km/h.
  • Dual-carriageway rural highways: up to 110 km/h for ordinary cars.
  • Single-carriageway rural highways: up to 100 km/h for ordinary cars.
  • Other rural roads classified as estradas: up to 60 km/h where no different limit is posted.

Lower signed limits are common in towns, at junctions, near schools, through roadworks and on mountain roads.

Know when headlights must be on

Brazil's Traffic Code has specific rules for daytime headlights, tunnels and poor weather.

  • At night: use dipped headlights.
  • Tunnels: dipped headlights are required even during daylight.
  • Rain, fog or mist: dipped headlights are required during the day.
  • Single-carriageway highways outside urban areas: cars without daytime running lights must use dipped headlights during the day.
  • Rental car: check whether the vehicle has automatic daytime running lights rather than assuming the correct lights are already operating.

Brazil operates zero-tolerance drink-driving rules

Brazil's Lei Seca is based on zero tolerance for alcohol and driving. Police carry out roadside checks and the enforcement rules were updated again in 2026.

  • Do not treat a small amount of alcohol as an acceptable driving limit.
  • Police can use breath testing and other evidence during roadside enforcement.
  • Penalties can include substantial fines and suspension of driving rights.
  • The straightforward rule for a visitor is: do not drink alcohol before driving.

Toll roads are common and Free Flow is expanding

Many important Brazilian highways are operated under concessions and charge tolls. Traditional toll plazas remain common, but electronic Free Flow tolling is expanding.

  • Traditional toll plazas: follow the signs for the appropriate payment lane.
  • Free Flow: there is no barrier or toll booth. Cameras and sensors identify the vehicle by electronic tag or number plate.
  • No tag: payment on federal Free Flow roads can be made through the concessionaire's payment channels.
  • Rental vehicle: ask the provider how electronic tolls are billed before entering a tolled route.
  • Do not assume no booth means no toll: a Free Flow gantry can record the vehicle without requiring you to stop.
  • Keep records: retain toll-payment confirmations until the rental has ended.

Driving in São Paulo

São Paulo has an enormous road network, heavy peak-hour traffic, multi-lane expressways and large numbers of motorcycles.

  • Choose lanes early: major junctions and exits can involve several lanes.
  • Motorcycles: check both mirrors and blind spots before changing lane.
  • Congestion: allow considerably more time during morning and evening peaks.
  • Navigation: set the route while parked and avoid last-second lane changes.
  • Vehicle security: keep doors locked, windows closed when appropriate and valuables out of sight.

São Paulo's plate-based Rodízio

São Paulo restricts vehicles in the Centro Expandido according to the final digit of the number plate on weekday peak periods.

  • Monday: plates ending 1 or 2.
  • Tuesday: plates ending 3 or 4.
  • Wednesday: plates ending 5 or 6.
  • Thursday: plates ending 7 or 8.
  • Friday: plates ending 9 or 0.
  • Restricted times: 07:00–10:00 and 17:00–20:00, Monday to Friday except public holidays.

Do not assume a rental car is exempt. Check the final number on the rental vehicle's plate before driving into the restricted area.

Driving in Rio de Janeiro

Rio combines busy expressways, tunnels, mountain terrain and dense urban traffic. Journey times can change considerably with traffic and weather.

  • Tunnels: use dipped headlights and obey lane controls and posted limits.
  • Heavy rain: flash flooding and landslides can affect roads, especially where mountains meet the city and coast.
  • Navigation: use a current route rather than taking an unfamiliar shortcut.
  • Vehicle security: keep valuables out of sight, particularly when the car is parked.
  • At night: if you need to stop, use a well-lit and recognised stopping place where possible.
  • Airport return: allow a generous margin for traffic when returning a rental car.

Do not underestimate Brazilian driving distances

Brazil is continental in scale. Journeys that appear straightforward on a national map can involve many hours or even more than one day's driving.

  • Check driving time as well as kilometres: road quality and traffic vary greatly.
  • Plan rest stops: avoid excessively long driving days.
  • Fuel: refuel before the tank becomes low on less populated routes.
  • Mobile coverage: do not assume a reliable signal on every rural route.
  • Offline maps: download navigation information before remote journeys.
  • Night driving: road lighting and surface quality can be poorer away from major highways.

Your hire car may be flex-fuel

Flex-fuel vehicles are extremely common in Brazil and are designed to run on petrol, ethanol or a compatible mixture of the two.

  • Gasolina: means petrol/gasoline.
  • Etanol: means hydrated ethanol fuel.
  • Flex: means the vehicle can use the approved petrol and ethanol fuels specified for it.
  • Do not guess: confirm that the particular rental car is flex-fuel before filling it with ethanol.
  • Diesel: never put ethanol or petrol into a diesel rental vehicle.

Refuelling in Brazil

Fuel stations are generally staffed, so you normally tell the attendant which fuel you want and how much to add.

  • Check the pump before fuel begins flowing.
  • If the vehicle is flex-fuel, decide which permitted fuel you intend to use.
  • Keep the receipt when refuelling a rental car before return.
  • On long-distance routes, refuel earlier rather than relying on the next station being nearby.

Heavy rain can change road conditions quickly

Intense rainfall can cause urban flooding, reduced visibility, landslides and road closures in several parts of Brazil.

  • Slow down and increase the distance to the vehicle ahead.
  • Use dipped headlights during rain.
  • Do not drive through floodwater if you cannot judge its depth or the condition of the road.
  • Mountain and coastal roads can be affected by landslides after prolonged or intense rainfall.
  • Follow police, road-authority and civil-defence instructions when a route is closed.
  • Check conditions before a long journey when severe weather is forecast.

Child restraints

Brazilian law requires children under 10 who have not reached 1.45 metres in height to travel in the rear using an appropriate restraint for their age, weight and height, subject to limited exceptions.

  • Arrange the required child seat when booking if you need one.
  • Check that the restraint is suitable for the child's size.
  • Fit and adjust the seat correctly before leaving the rental location.
  • Do not assume an adult seat belt alone is suitable for a small child.

Seat belts and mobile phones

  • Seat belts: the driver and passengers should use the fitted seat belts.
  • Mobile phone: using a hand-held phone while driving is prohibited.
  • Navigation: mount the phone securely and set the route before moving.
  • Distraction: stop safely and legally if you need to make complicated changes to navigation.

Driving licence requirements for visitors

Brazil updated its rules for foreign driving licences through CONTRAN Resolution 1,020/2025.

  • 180-day period: qualifying foreign drivers can generally drive in Brazil for up to 180 days from the date of entry.
  • Foreign licence: carry your valid original driving licence.
  • International Driving Permit: carry an IDP together with the national licence where required under the applicable international arrangements.
  • Identification: carry the required identification document.
  • Entry date: carry documentation that can establish when you entered Brazil.
  • Rental provider: the rental company can have additional licence-age and documentation requirements.

Check before taking a Brazilian rental car across a border

Brazil borders most countries in South America, but that does not mean a rental vehicle can automatically be driven into a neighbouring country.

  • Ask the rental provider whether international travel is permitted.
  • Confirm which neighbouring countries are allowed under the rental agreement.
  • Check what vehicle documentation and insurance are required.
  • Additional authorisation from the rental provider may be needed.
  • Border and insurance arrangements should be confirmed before booking a cross-border itinerary.

Brazilian trips where a hire car can be particularly useful

Rio de Janeiro to São Paulo coast

A car gives flexibility for stopping along the Costa Verde and visiting coastal towns between Brazil's two largest tourist gateways.

Minas Gerais

Historic towns and rural areas are spread across the state, making a car useful for itineraries beyond the main urban centres.

Southern Brazil

A rental car can be useful for exploring areas outside Curitiba, Florianópolis and Porto Alegre, while longer journeys require realistic distance planning.

Iguaçu region

Having a car can provide flexibility for regional travel around Foz do Iguaçu, although any international border crossing should be cleared with the rental provider first.

North-east coast

A car can make it easier to combine coastal towns and resorts, but check whether individual beach, sand or unsealed routes are permitted under the rental agreement.

If you are involved in an accident

  • Stop in a safe position where possible and switch on the hazard warning lights.
  • Check whether anyone needs emergency medical assistance.
  • Report the accident to the police where required.
  • Contact the rental provider promptly and follow its accident procedure.
  • Record relevant details and photograph the scene where it is safe to do so.
  • Do not arrange repairs yourself unless authorised by the rental provider.

Emergency numbers in Brazil

  • Military Police: 190
  • Federal Highway Police: 191
  • SAMU ambulance: 192
  • Fire service: 193
  • Civil Defence: 199

For a normal mechanical breakdown, use the roadside-assistance service supplied by the rental provider or the highway concessionaire where appropriate.

Before returning the hire car

  • Confirm the exact return location and opening arrangements.
  • Refuel according to the rental agreement.
  • Keep the final fuel receipt if required.
  • Allow additional time for traffic when returning in São Paulo, Rio de Janeiro or another large city.
  • Check how conventional and Free Flow toll charges will be settled.
  • Remove personal belongings and check the glovebox, door pockets and luggage area.
  • Consider photographing the vehicle, mileage and fuel level at return.
  • Keep the rental paperwork and return confirmation until the security deposit or card pre-authorisation has been released.

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Frequently asked questions about driving a hire car in Brazil

Which side of the road do you drive on in Brazil?

Traffic drives on the right and vehicles normally overtake on the left. Visitors accustomed to left-hand driving should take extra care after turns and when leaving car parks or fuel stations.

What are the speed limits in Brazil?

Always follow posted signs. Where no limit is signed, Brazil's Traffic Code provides urban defaults of 80 km/h on express roads, 60 km/h on arterial roads, 40 km/h on collector roads and 30 km/h on local roads. For ordinary cars, unsigned rural highways generally allow up to 110 km/h on dual carriageways and 100 km/h on single carriageways.

Can I drive in Brazil with my foreign driving licence?

Qualifying foreign drivers can generally drive for up to 180 days from entry, subject to Brazil's international agreements and document requirements. Carry your valid foreign licence, identification, proof of your entry date and an International Driving Permit where required.

Are there toll roads in Brazil?

Yes. Toll roads are common, particularly on major concessioned highways. Traditional toll plazas remain in use while Free Flow electronic tolling is expanding. Ask your rental provider how tolls are charged to the vehicle.

What is São Paulo's Rodízio?

São Paulo restricts cars in the Expanded Centre according to the final number on the vehicle's registration plate. The weekday restriction generally operates from 07:00 to 10:00 and 17:00 to 20:00, with different plate endings restricted on different days.

Can a Brazilian hire car use ethanol?

Many Brazilian vehicles are flex-fuel and can use approved petrol or ethanol, but not every rental vehicle is flex-fuel. Check the vehicle and ask the rental provider before choosing ethanol at the pump.

Official driving information for Brazil

Road rules, toll systems and local traffic restrictions can change. The links below are official Brazilian government, municipal or recognised government travel-advice sources.

Last reviewed: 21 September 2026.