Driving in Brazil: what are the rules for travelers?

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Driving — Brazil

What travelers need to know about driving in Brazil. What is legal at home can be a serious crime here — each rule links to its official source.

Short answer

Driving in Brazil: prohibited — what is legal at home can be a serious crime here.

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PROHIBITED

Under Brazil's 'Lei Seca' you cannot drive with any measurable blood-alcohol level (zero tolerance), and police run random breathalyzer checkpoints.

Legal penalties plus vehicle impoundment.

§ US State Dept — Brazil

Verified Jul 12, 2026

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LawLert is an independent app and is not affiliated with any government. It summarizes laws from official government and U.S. State Department sources for general information only. This is not legal advice, and laws change. Always confirm with official sources and local authorities before you travel.