PoliceBrazil

Learn traffic rules with clear explanations and visual examples in our illustrated book, designed to make studying simple and engaging.


25. Police

Police are public authorities responsible for enforcing laws, maintaining public safety and managing situations that may affect road traffic. In traffic, police officers may control vehicles, enforce traffic rules, investigate collisions, direct traffic and respond to emergencies.

Road users must follow lawful instructions given by police officers or other authorised traffic-control personnel. Police directions may temporarily override traffic lights, road signs or normal traffic arrangements, depending on local law.

Chevrolet Blazer of the Federal District prison special operations directorate. (Federal District, Brazil)
Wikimedia.org • André Gustavo Stumpf • CC BY
What is the role of police in road traffic?

Police help enforce traffic laws, manage traffic, investigate collisions and respond to dangerous situations. They may also carry out roadside checks and direct road users.

Must you obey a police officer directing traffic?

Yes. Lawful directions given by an authorised police officer must be followed. In many countries, those directions take precedence over traffic lights, road signs and normal priority rules.

What should you do if police signal you to stop?

Slow down, follow the officer's directions and stop at a safe location as instructed. Do not make sudden movements or continue driving unless directed to do so.

Can police direct you through a red traffic light?

Yes, where authorised by local law. A police officer controlling traffic may instruct road users to proceed even when a traffic light or sign would normally require them to stop.

Can police check your driving documents?

Yes. Police may require drivers to provide documents such as a driving licence, vehicle registration, identification or proof of insurance according to local law.

Can police carry out alcohol or drug checks?

Yes. Traffic police may conduct legally authorised alcohol and drug checks using procedures such as breath, saliva or other approved tests.

Can police temporarily close a road?

Yes. Roads or lanes may be temporarily closed or traffic diverted because of collisions, emergencies, investigations, public events or other safety concerns.

What should you do near police controlling an accident scene?

Reduce speed, remain alert and follow all directions. Do not enter a closed area or interfere with emergency personnel, and leave sufficient space for emergency vehicles.

What should you do when a police vehicle approaches with emergency signals?

Follow the local rules for priority vehicles. Drivers generally have to make sufficient space, give way and stop where necessary so that the emergency vehicle can pass safely.

Can police order a parked vehicle to be moved?

Yes, where local law permits it. Police or another authorised authority may require a vehicle to be moved when it obstructs traffic, creates danger or must be removed for operational reasons.

1 Brazil 2 Speed limit 3 Speed bump 4 Slope 5 Stop sign 6 Roundabout 7 Pedestrian crossing 8 Railway crossing 9 Turn prohibition 10 School area 11 Traffic lights 12 Traffic lights warning 13 Pedestrian lights 14 Driving licence 15 Location marker 16 No stopping 17 Disabled parking 18 Reversing 19 Oversize load 20 Tourist attraction 21 Horn 22 Charging station 23 Cyclist 24 Bus 25 Police 26 Ambulance 27 Pothole 28 Path 29 Particulates 30 Air pollution 31 Rush hour 32 Road code 33 Two-way traffic 34 Street gutter 35 Cargo bike 36 Forestry vehicle 37 Construction vehicle 38 Semi-trailer truck 39 Trolleybus 40 Speed pedelec 41 Delivery vehicle 42 Idling 43 Tow truck 44 Four-wheel drive 45 Bicycle 46 Motorcycle equipment 47 Tram 48 Rail track 49 Caravan 50 Trailer 51 Tow hitch 52 Fire truck 53 Siren 54 Convoy 55 Emergency vehicle lighting 56 Agricultural machinery 57 Electric bicycle 58 Electric vehicle 59 Pedelec 60 Quadricycle 61 Microcar 62 All-terrain vehicle 63 Van 64 Recreational vehicle 65 Scooter 66 Trikke 67 Personal mobility device 68 Skateboard 69 Segway 70 Kick scooter 71 Roller skates 72 Mailman 73 Hitchhiker 74 Toddler 75 Child 76 Disability 77 Motorail 78 km/h 79 mph 80 Speedometer 81 Ride height 82 Dirt road 83 Driving 84 Start-stop system 85 Manual transmission 86 Automatic transmission 87 Throttle 88 Tachometer 89 Steering wheel 90 Power steering 91 Visual scanning 92 Mirror 93 Fuel 94 Fuel gauge 95 Petrol 96 Diesel 97 Diesel exhaust fluid 98 Car insurance 99 First aid kit 100 Fire extinguisher ...