🇧🇷 Drive Brazil with Confidence
Know the rules. Carry the right documents. Enjoy the road.
Do You Need an IDP in Brazil?
Strongly Recommended — Not Legally Required
Under Brazil's traffic code (Código de Trânsito Brasileiro, Art. 162) and CONTRAN Resolution 360/2010, a visitor may drive on a valid foreign licence for up to 180 days from entry. The only documents you strictly must carry are your original licence and your passport. An IDP is strongly recommended rather than required: it is the Portuguese-language version of your licence, and Portuguese is what a traffic officer at a roadside stop or an agent at a rental counter can actually read. If your licence is in the Roman alphabet and you would rather not buy one, you are not breaking Brazilian law.
São Paulo Rodízio
São Paulo restricts cars in the expanded city centre on one weekday per week, based on the final digit of the licence plate (the rodízio). It applies to rental cars too — check your plate before driving into the city at peak hours.
Driving Rules in Brazil
Drive on the Right
Brazil drives on the right side of the road with left-hand-drive vehicles. Overtake on the left, and take extra care at junctions if you normally drive on the left.
Strict Alcohol Limits
Brazil's Lei Seca (Dry Law) is effectively zero tolerance — any measurable alcohol brings heavy fines and licence suspension, and higher readings are a criminal offence. Police breathalyser checkpoints (blitzes) are common.
Toll Roads (Pedágios)
Brazil has an extensive toll network, especially in São Paulo state and the south. Tolls are paid at plazas in cash or by card; electronic tags are available on busier corridors.
Speed Limits
Urban areas: typically 40–60 km/h. Two-lane highways: 80–100 km/h. Major divided highways: up to 110–120 km/h on some stretches. Speed cameras (radares) are everywhere, so follow the posted signs — limits change often.
Mandatory Equipment
Brazilian rules require a warning triangle in every car, and rental vehicles come with the mandatory kit — confirm it is present before driving off. Note that Brazil enforces a strict zero-tolerance drink-driving law (Lei Seca).
Renting a Car in Brazil
Brazil has rental desks at major airports and in city centres. Here is what you need to know.
Documents at the Desk
Your original licence and passport are the documents you must have. Many Brazilian rental desks also ask for an IDP, and some write it into their terms — check your booking before you fly. A credit card in the driver's name is required for the security deposit. Most companies require drivers to be at least 21 years old.
Typical Costs
Compact cars typically start from around R$120–200/day. Most Brazilian cars are flex-fuel (petrol/ethanol). Full protection packages add a daily fee. Book early for Carnival, July, and the year-end holidays.
Top Rental Companies
Localiza — Brazil's largest rental company. Movida — large national fleet at competitive rates. Unidas — wide coverage across the country.
Read our guide: First Time Driving Abroad? 10 Tips You Need to Know
Get Your IDP for Brazil — From $29
Brazil does not require one by law. It buys you a Portuguese-language version of your licence for the rental counter and the roadside — that is the whole case for it.
Digital delivery in 1–2 business days (express as fast as 2 hours). Physical copy shipped worldwide. Valid for 1 year.
Apply Now →Returning to Brazil? Renew your IDP with 10% loyalty discount →
Brazil IDP FAQ
Not strictly. Under the Código de Trânsito Brasileiro (Art. 162) and CONTRAN Resolution 360/2010, a visitor may drive on a valid foreign licence for up to 180 days from entry. The only documents you must have are your original licence and your passport. An IDP is strongly recommended rather than required: it is the Portuguese-language version of your licence, which is what a traffic officer or rental agent can actually read.
Brazil has an extensive network of toll roads, especially in Sao Paulo state and the south. Tolls are paid at plazas in cash or by card, and electronic tags are available on busier corridors.
Brazil has no European-style low-emission zones, but Sao Paulo operates a weekday rodizio scheme that restricts cars in the city centre by plate number on set days. Check the rules before driving into the city.
Brazil drives on the right side of the road with left-hand-drive vehicles. Overtake on the left, and follow posted give-way signs at intersections.