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Driving in Brazil vs Slovakia: Key Differences Explained

When exploring the roads of Brazil and Slovakia, drivers will encounter distinct regulations and practices that shape their travel experience. Notably, Slovakia allows overtaking on the left and employs variable speed limits, while Brazil has more relaxed overtaking rules. Understanding these variations is essential for ensuring a secure and enjoyable journey in these diverse nations.

Lanes

Overtaking: On Left
brazil:
No
slovakia:
Yes
Overtaking: On Right
brazil:
Yes
slovakia:
Allowed on multi-lane roads or when the vehicle ahead is turning left.
Bus Lanes: Usage
brazil:
Reserved exclusively for buses; sometimes bicycles are allowed.
slovakia:
Reserved for buses and sometimes taxis.
Bus Lanes: Markings
brazil:
Labeled 'ÔNIBUS'; often with road signs.
slovakia:
Labeled 'BUS' or 'BUS ONLY'; often with road signs.
Variable Speed Limits: Presence
brazil:
No
slovakia:
Yes
Variable Speed Limits: Indications
brazil:
N/A
slovakia:
Electronic signs display current limits.

Speeds Limits

Urban Areas: Standard
brazil:
40-60 km/h
slovakia:
50 km/h
Urban Areas: Residential Zones
brazil:
30 km/h
slovakia:
20-30 km/h
Rural Areas: Cars And Motorcycles
brazil:
60-100 km/h
slovakia:
90 km/h
Rural Areas: Buses And Vans
brazil:
60-90 km/h
slovakia:
90 km/h
Rural Areas: Trucks And Trailers
brazil:
60-90 km/h
slovakia:
80 km/h
Highways: Cars And Motorcycles
brazil:
80-120 km/h
slovakia:
130 km/h
Highways: Buses And Vans
brazil:
80-100 km/h
slovakia:
100 km/h
Highways: Trucks And Trailers
brazil:
80-100 km/h
slovakia:
90 km/h
Variable Speed Limits: Presence
brazil:
No
slovakia:
Yes
Variable Speed Limits: Indications
brazil:
N/A
slovakia:
Electronic signs display current limits.

Signals

Traffic Lights: Red And Amber Together
brazil:
Not used in Brazil
slovakia:
Not used in Slovakia
Traffic Signs: Language
brazil:
Portuguese; symbols are standard
slovakia:
Slovak; symbols are standard
Traffic Signs: Warning
brazil:
Diamond-shaped with yellow background
slovakia:
Triangular-shaped with red borders

Turns

U- Turns Allowed
brazil:
Allowed unless a sign prohibits it
slovakia:
Allowed unless prohibited by a sign

Documentation

Driver's License: Foreign: E U/ E E A
brazil:
International Driving Permit recommended, national licenses accepted for up to 180 days
slovakia:
Accepted; International Driving Permit recommended
Driver's License: Foreign: Non- E U
brazil:
International Driving Permit recommended, national licenses accepted for up to 180 days
slovakia:
International Driving Permit required along with local license
Vehicle Inspection: Requirement
brazil:
Required every year for passenger vehicles
slovakia:
Mandatory and regular inspections required
Vehicle Inspection: Sticker
brazil:
Displayed on windshield or license plate
slovakia:
Displayed on windshield
Emergency Equipment: Reflective Vest
brazil:
Recommended
slovakia:
Mandatory

Alcohol

Limits: General Drivers
brazil:
0.04%
slovakia:
0.00%
Limits: Underage Drivers
brazil:
0.00%; zero tolerance policy
slovakia:
0.00%
Enforcement: Fines
brazil:
Substantial for any offense; applies strict zero-tolerance policy
slovakia:
Can be substantial
Test Refusal
brazil:
Results in immediate license suspension
slovakia:
Can result in license suspension

Emergency Services

Contact: General Emergency
brazil:
190
slovakia:
112
Contact: Traffic Police
brazil:
191
slovakia:
158
Contact: Roadside Assistance
brazil:
Check with your insurance provider or recommended local services
slovakia:
Check with your insurance provider or Slovak Assistance Service
Emergency Equipment: Reflective Vest
brazil:
Recommended, especially at night
slovakia:
Mandatory

Penalties And Fines

Common Fines: Speeding
brazil:
Varies; can be substantial, often over R$100
slovakia:
Varies; €50 to €300, points on license possible
Common Fines: Alcohol
brazil:
High fines with potential imprisonment
slovakia:
Varies; substantial fines, possible jail time
Common Fines: Seat Belts
brazil:
Fines for all unrestrained passengers
slovakia:
€50 to €150, points in some regions
Common Fines: Phone Use
brazil:
Fines and points on license
slovakia:
€100 to €200, points in some regions
Common Fines: Traffic Light Violation
brazil:
Fines and points on license
slovakia:
€100 to €250, points on license possible
Payment: On The Spot
brazil:
Commonly used; E-ticket systems available
slovakia:
Common
Payment: Deadline
brazil:
Varies; generally 30 days to pay
slovakia:
Varies; typically 15 days to pay