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Driving in Brazil vs. India: Key Differences for Safety

When venturing abroad, understanding the nuances of road rules is essential for safe navigation. This comparison between Brazil and India reveals significant contrasts, such as driving sides—right in Brazil and left in India—as well as distinct speed limits and lane usages. Equip yourself with this vital knowledge before hitting the roads in these diverse nations.

Lanes

Driving Side
brazil:
Right
india:
Left
Overtaking: On Right
brazil:
Yes
india:
Yes, but only when safe.
Lane Usage: Slow Vehicles
brazil:
Use rightmost lane.
india:
Use leftmost lane.
Bus Lanes: Presence
brazil:
Yes
india:
Yes, in some metropolitan areas
Bus Lanes: Usage
brazil:
Reserved exclusively for buses; sometimes bicycles are allowed.
india:
Reserved for buses; usage time restrictions may apply.
Bus Lanes: Markings
brazil:
Labeled 'ÔNIBUS'; often with road signs.
india:
Labeled 'BUS'; often marked with road signs.
Cycle Lanes: Presence
brazil:
Yes
india:
Yes, in some areas

Speeds Limits

Urban Areas: Standard
brazil:
40-60 km/h
india:
40-50 km/h
Rural Areas: Cars And Motorcycles
brazil:
60-100 km/h
india:
60-80 km/h
Rural Areas: Buses And Vans
brazil:
60-90 km/h
india:
60-80 km/h
Rural Areas: Trucks And Trailers
brazil:
60-90 km/h
india:
60-70 km/h
Highways: Trucks And Trailers
brazil:
80-100 km/h
india:
60-80 km/h
Enforcement: Speed Cameras
brazil:
Yes
india:
Yes, in major cities and highways
Enforcement: On-the- Spot Fines
brazil:
Yes
india:
Yes, commonly used

Signals

Traffic Lights: Red And Amber Together
brazil:
Not used in Brazil
india:
Not used in India
Horn Usage: Prohibited Times
brazil:
Unnecessary use discouraged; local ordinances may apply
india:
Unnecessary and excessive use discouraged; local ordinances may apply
Hand Signals: Common Usage
brazil:
Rare, as vehicle indicators are expected
india:
More common due to varied vehicle conditions
Traffic Signs: Language
brazil:
Portuguese; symbols are standard
india:
English and local languages; symbols are standard
Traffic Signs: Warning
brazil:
Diamond-shaped with yellow background
india:
Triangular with red border

Turns

Right Turn On Red
brazil:
Not allowed
india:
Prohibited unless otherwise stated by a sign
Left Turn: General
brazil:
Permitted unless prohibited by signs
india:
Permitted; always yield to oncoming traffic and pedestrians
U- Turns Allowed
brazil:
Allowed unless a sign prohibits it
india:
Allowed in designated areas; check for signs

Documentation

Driver's License: Foreign: E U/ E E A
brazil:
International Driving Permit recommended, national licenses accepted for up to 180 days
india:
International Driving Permit recommended
Driver's License: Foreign: Non- E U
brazil:
International Driving Permit recommended, national licenses accepted for up to 180 days
india:
International Driving Permit recommended
Vehicle Inspection: Requirement
brazil:
Required every year for passenger vehicles
india:
Mandatory; proof required with Pollution Under Control (PUC) certificate
Vehicle Inspection: Sticker
brazil:
Displayed on windshield or license plate
india:
PUC sticker displayed on windshield
Emergency Equipment: Warning Triangles
brazil:
Mandatory
india:
Not mandatory
Emergency Equipment: Reflective Vest
brazil:
Recommended
india:
Not mandatory

Road Etiquette

Use Of Horn: Limited
brazil:
Only in emergency situations
india:
Discouraged, but common due to heavy traffic and mixed vehicle conditions
Use Of Horn: Cultural Norm
brazil:
Less frequent use compared to some countries
india:
Frequent use compared to other countries
Pedestrians Priority
brazil:
Pedestrians have right of way at crosswalks
india:
Pedestrians have right of way at marked and zebra crossings
Emergency Vehicles: Protocol
brazil:
Pull over to the right and stop if necessary
india:
Move to the side and allow emergency vehicles to pass

Alcohol

Limits: General Drivers
brazil:
0.04%
india:
0.03%
Limits: Underage Drivers
brazil:
0.00%; zero tolerance policy
india:
0.00%
Enforcement: Random Checks
brazil:
Common; checkpoints used frequently
india:
Common in cities; checkpoints are regularly used
Enforcement: Fines
brazil:
Substantial for any offense; applies strict zero-tolerance policy
india:
Varies by state; fines can be substantial
Test Refusal
brazil:
Results in immediate license suspension
india:
Can result in license suspension and fines

Roundabouts

Signaling: Entering
brazil:
Signal if turning immediately upon entry
india:
Signal if turning upon entry
Signaling: Exiting
brazil:
Signal right when preparing to exit
india:
Signal left when preparing to exit

Emergency Services

Contact: General Emergency
brazil:
190
india:
112
Contact: Traffic Police
brazil:
191
india:
Varies by state; local helpline numbers may apply
Contact: Roadside Assistance
brazil:
Check with your insurance provider or recommended local services
india:
Commonly through insurance providers or automotive associations
Emergency Equipment: Warning Triangles
brazil:
Mandatory
india:
Not mandatory, but recommended
Emergency Equipment: Reflective Vest
brazil:
Recommended, especially at night
india:
Not mandatory, but recommended

Penalties And Fines

Common Fines: Speeding
brazil:
Varies; can be substantial, often over R$100
india:
Varies; ₹1,000 to ₹2,000, points on license
Common Fines: Alcohol
brazil:
High fines with potential imprisonment
india:
Varies; substantial fines, possible jail time
Common Fines: Seat Belts
brazil:
Fines for all unrestrained passengers
india:
₹500 to ₹1,000, points in some states
Common Fines: Phone Use
brazil:
Fines and points on license
india:
₹1,000 to ₹5,000, points in some states
Common Fines: Traffic Light Violation
brazil:
Fines and points on license
india:
₹500 to ₹2,000, points on license
Payment: On The Spot
brazil:
Commonly used; E-ticket systems available
india:
Common; fines often paid at the time of the offense
Payment: Deadline
brazil:
Varies; generally 30 days to pay
india:
Varies; typically 15 to 30 days to pay