CurveBrazil

An introduction to the traffic rules and road signs of Brazil. Learn about driving, road safety and much more in our illustrated book, with answers to frequently asked questions.

For informational purposes only. Always follow official regulations. Some content and images were created with AI assistance.

Traffic signs

Traffic rules

Brazil

1. Curve

A curve is a section of road that changes direction to the left or right. A sharp, unexpected or poorly visible curve can reduce a driver’s view of approaching traffic, stopped vehicles, pedestrians and other hazards.

Drivers should reduce speed before entering the curve, remain within their lane and use smooth steering, braking and acceleration. Warning signs may indicate the direction of the first curve or a series of successive curves.

What makes a bend dangerous in Brazil?

Curves shorten your view of the road ahead and can reduce the margin for correcting a mistake. Drivers may encounter curves on rural highways where wet weather can reduce tyre grip; the safe speed can be well below the posted maximum. Watch for changing road surfaces and people or vehicles hidden beyond the curve.

🔗 planalto.gov.br • Brazilian Traffic Code — applicable traffic, speed, priority, manoeuvre, access and stopping provisions; exact sections recorded in the audit register

🔗 gov.br • National warning manual — relevant hazard and advance-warning criteria

How should you approach a sharp curve in Brazil?

Slow down before the bend, select the correct lane position, look through the curve and steer smoothly. Keep enough grip and visible stopping distance for the road and weather conditions.

🔗 planalto.gov.br • Brazilian Traffic Code — applicable traffic, speed, priority, manoeuvre, access and stopping provisions; exact sections recorded in the audit register

🔗 gov.br • National warning manual — relevant hazard and advance-warning criteria

Is overtaking safe on a blind bend in Brazil?

No. Do not start overtaking where your view of oncoming traffic is obstructed or where signs or road markings prohibit it. Wait until there is a lawful, clear and sufficiently long view ahead.

🔗 planalto.gov.br • Brazilian Traffic Code — applicable traffic, speed, priority, manoeuvre, access and stopping provisions; exact sections recorded in the audit register

🔗 gov.br • National warning manual — relevant hazard and advance-warning criteria

Warning for a curve to the right.

English • Traffic sign A-2b • Right-hand bend. Reduce speed before the bend.

Português • A-2b • Curva à direita. Adverte sobre uma curva à direita. Reduza a velocidade antes de entrar na curva.

Sources

🔗 Commons.wikimedia.org
🔗 Gov.br • CONTRAN/SENATRAN: MBST, Volume II, página PDF 38

SVG source: Commons.wikimedia.org • Original SVG
Departamento Nacional de Infraestrutura de Transportes • Public domain • Original revision 2014-01-17. Wikimedia original unmodified.

Artwork reviewed against the Brazilian Manual Brasileiro de Sinalização de Trânsito (current SENATRAN catalogue): Gov.br • A-2b, PDF page 38. Intentional educational illustration update from the previous PNG; original SVG unmodified.