RockfallBrazil

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. Rockfall

A rockfall warning indicates a road section where rocks or stones may fall from a cliff, cutting or steep slope, or where fallen material may already be present on the road. The danger may affect the full carriageway and can appear suddenly.

Drivers should reduce speed, scan the road and slopes ahead, increase their following distance and remain prepared to stop. They should avoid unnecessary stopping in the exposed section and never attempt to move unstable rocks themselves.

Where might falling rocks be a hazard on roads in Brazil?

Pay extra attention around steep mountain-road cuttings and slopes after heavy rain. After heavy rain, freeze–thaw cycles or work on a steep slope, the hazard may increase depending on local 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

Does a falling-rocks warning sign in Brazil impose a speed limit?

A falling-rocks sign is a hazard warning, not normally a numerical speed-limit sign. Follow any separate speed or closure signs, slow down to match visibility and conditions, and watch for material already on the road.

🔗 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 falling rocks.

English • Traffic sign A-27 • Landslide area. Material may collapse or fall onto the carriageway. Reduce speed and watch the road.

Português • A-27 • Área com desmoronamento. Adverte sobre uma área sujeita a desmoronamento e queda de materiais sobre a pista. Reduza a velocidade e observe a via.

Sources

🔗 Commons.wikimedia.org
🔗 Gov.br • CONTRAN/SENATRAN: MBST, Volume II, página PDF 96

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-27, PDF page 96. Intentional educational illustration update from the previous PNG; original SVG unmodified.

What should you do if rocks are blocking the road in Brazil?

Slow or stop in a safe place away from the exposed slope if possible. Do not drive over unstable debris or stop beneath a cliff unnecessarily. Follow any closure or traffic-control instructions and report a dangerous obstruction through the appropriate road authority or emergency channel.

🔗 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