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Driving in Brazil vs Switzerland: Key Safety Differences

When venturing from Brazil to Switzerland, understanding the distinct rules of the road is essential for a secure journey. Key contrasts include lane markings, speed limits, and alcohol regulations, with Brazil allowing overtaking on the right and a 0.04% blood alcohol limit, while Switzerland prohibits right turns on red and has stricter limits. Stay informed and drive safely!

Lanes

Markings: Solid Yellow Line
brazil:
Marks the left edge on divided roads.
switzerland:
Used for temporary road changes or construction zones.
Markings: Dashed Yellow Line
brazil:
Centerline on two-way roads; passing permitted when safe.
switzerland:
Used in temporary traffic management.
Overtaking: On Left
brazil:
No
switzerland:
Yes
Overtaking: On Right
brazil:
Yes
switzerland:
Not typically allowed, except in certain slow-moving traffic situations.
Bus Lanes: Usage
brazil:
Reserved exclusively for buses; sometimes bicycles are allowed.
switzerland:
Reserved for buses and sometimes taxis.
Bus Lanes: Markings
brazil:
Labeled 'ÔNIBUS'; often with road signs.
switzerland:
Labeled 'BUS' or 'BUS ONLY'; often with road signs.
Variable Speed Limits: Presence
brazil:
No
switzerland:
Yes
Variable Speed Limits: Indications
brazil:
N/A
switzerland:
Electronic signs display current limits.

Speeds Limits

Urban Areas: Standard
brazil:
40-60 km/h
switzerland:
30-50 km/h
Rural Areas: Cars And Motorcycles
brazil:
60-100 km/h
switzerland:
80 km/h
Rural Areas: Buses And Vans
brazil:
60-90 km/h
switzerland:
80 km/h
Rural Areas: Trucks And Trailers
brazil:
60-90 km/h
switzerland:
80 km/h
Highways: Cars And Motorcycles
brazil:
80-120 km/h
switzerland:
120 km/h
Highways: Buses And Vans
brazil:
80-100 km/h
switzerland:
100 km/h
Highways: Trucks And Trailers
brazil:
80-100 km/h
switzerland:
80 km/h
Variable Speed Limits: Presence
brazil:
No
switzerland:
Yes
Variable Speed Limits: Indications
brazil:
N/A
switzerland:
Electronic signs display current limits
Enforcement: On-the- Spot Fines
brazil:
Yes
switzerland:
Yes, drivers can be fined on the spot.

Signals

Traffic Lights: Red And Amber Together
brazil:
Not used in Brazil
switzerland:
Prepare to go
Traffic Signs: Language
brazil:
Portuguese; symbols are standard
switzerland:
Symbols are standard, French, German, Italian and Rumantsch languages are used
Traffic Signs: Warning
brazil:
Diamond-shaped with yellow background
switzerland:
Triangular-shaped with a red border

Turns

Right Turn On Red
brazil:
Not allowed
switzerland:
Prohibited unless a specific sign allows it
U- Turns Allowed
brazil:
Allowed unless a sign prohibits it
switzerland:
Allowed unless prohibited by sign

Documentation

Driver's License: Foreign: E U/ E E A
brazil:
International Driving Permit recommended, national licenses accepted for up to 180 days
switzerland:
Accepted; International Driving Permit recommended for non-French/German/Italian speaking licenses
Driver's License: Foreign: Non- E U
brazil:
International Driving Permit recommended, national licenses accepted for up to 180 days
switzerland:
Accepted for short visits; International Driving Permit recommended
Vehicle Inspection: Requirement
brazil:
Required every year for passenger vehicles
switzerland:
Vehicle inspection is required regularly; proof must be available
Vehicle Inspection: Sticker
brazil:
Displayed on windshield or license plate
switzerland:
Proof of inspection is kept in the vehicle
Emergency Equipment: Reflective Vest
brazil:
Recommended
switzerland:
Not mandatory

Alcohol

Limits: General Drivers
brazil:
0.04%
switzerland:
0.05%
Limits: Professional Drivers
brazil:
0.00%
switzerland:
0.05%
Limits: Underage Drivers
brazil:
0.00%; zero tolerance policy
switzerland:
0.00%
Enforcement: Random Checks
brazil:
Common; checkpoints used frequently
switzerland:
Common; police conduct random breath tests
Enforcement: Fines
brazil:
Substantial for any offense; applies strict zero-tolerance policy
switzerland:
Substantial; fines can be based on income
Test Refusal
brazil:
Results in immediate license suspension
switzerland:
Can result in license suspension and fines

Roundabouts

Signaling: Entering
brazil:
Signal if turning immediately upon entry
switzerland:
No signaling normally required when entering
Lane Usage: Right
brazil:
Use for first exit or straight
switzerland:
Use for the first exit or straight

Emergency Services

Contact: General Emergency
brazil:
190
switzerland:
112
Contact: Traffic Police
brazil:
191
switzerland:
117
Contact: Roadside Assistance
brazil:
Check with your insurance provider or recommended local services
switzerland:
140
Emergency Equipment: Reflective Vest
brazil:
Recommended, especially at night
switzerland:
Not mandatory, but recommended

Penalties And Fines

Common Fines: Speeding
brazil:
Varies; can be substantial, often over R$100
switzerland:
Varies; CHF 40 to CHF 400+, can lead to license suspension
Common Fines: Alcohol
brazil:
High fines with potential imprisonment
switzerland:
Varies; substantial fines, possible jail time
Common Fines: Seat Belts
brazil:
Fines for all unrestrained passengers
switzerland:
CHF 60
Common Fines: Phone Use
brazil:
Fines and points on license
switzerland:
CHF 100
Common Fines: Traffic Light Violation
brazil:
Fines and points on license
switzerland:
Varies; substantial fines
Payment: On The Spot
brazil:
Commonly used; E-ticket systems available
switzerland:
Common; fines can be issued on the spot
Payment: Deadline
brazil:
Varies; generally 30 days to pay
switzerland:
Varies; typically a few weeks to pay