Traffic rulesBrazil

Brazil applies a zero-alcohol policy. The CTB provides that any alcohol concentration can subject a driver to drink-driving penalties, subject to the technical measurement tolerances used in enforcement. The safest rule is therefore do not drink before driving.

🔗 planalto.gov.br • Brazilian Presidency, Brazilian Traffic Code, Alcohol and impairment

Built-up areas: Where no regulatory speed sign is present, the CTB sets defaults according to road class: 80 km/h on urban express roads, 60 km/h on arterial roads, 40 km/h on collector roads and 30 km/h on local roads.

Divided roads: On a paved rural highway with divided carriageways and no different posted limit, the maximum is 110 km/h for cars, motorcycles, pickup trucks and similar light vehicles, and 90 km/h for other vehicles.

Single-carriageway rural highways: On a paved single-carriageway rural highway without a different posted limit, the maximum is 100 km/h for cars, motorcycles, pickup trucks and similar light vehicles, and 90 km/h for other vehicles.

Unpaved rural roads: The CTB defines an estrada as an unpaved rural road. Where no other limit is signed, the maximum is 60 km/h.

Posted limits: The authority responsible for the road may establish higher or lower signed limits according to the road's characteristics and traffic conditions. The posted limit takes precedence.

🔗 planalto.gov.br • Brazilian Presidency, Brazilian Traffic Code, Speed limits for passenger cars

Yes. Drivers and passengers must wear seat belts on roads throughout Brazil, subject only to specific regulated exceptions.

🔗 planalto.gov.br • Brazilian Presidency, Brazilian Traffic Code, Seat belts and occupant protection

Driving while holding or handling a mobile phone is prohibited. The CTB also restricts driving while using a phone or headphones connected to audio equipment.

🔗 planalto.gov.br • Brazilian Presidency, Brazilian Traffic Code, Mobile devices and attention

Yes. Both the motorcycle rider and passenger must wear a safety helmet. Riders must also comply with the rules concerning visors or protective eyewear.

🔗 planalto.gov.br • Brazilian Presidency, Brazilian Traffic Code

At an unsigned roundabout, a vehicle already circulating has priority over a vehicle entering. Follow traffic lights, signs and an officer’s instructions wherever they control the junction.

🔗 planalto.gov.br • Brazilian Presidency, Brazilian Traffic Code

Without another regulatory sign, Brazil’s urban defaults are 80 km/h on rapid-transit roads, 60 km/h on arterial roads, 40 km/h on collector roads and 30 km/h on local roads. For ordinary cars, unsigned paved rural-highway maxima are 110 km/h on divided roads and 100 km/h on single-carriageway roads; unpaved rural roads have a 60 km/h default. Authorised signed limits can differ.

🔗 planalto.gov.br • Brazilian Traffic Code — Articles 29, 36, 43, 60–62, 70 and 219; Annex I road classifications

No. The Traffic Code uses the road classes via de trânsito rápido, via arterial, via coletora and via local, with defaults of 80, 60, 40 and 30 km/h respectively. The actual road classification matters when no regulatory speed sign is present.

🔗 planalto.gov.br • Brazilian Traffic Code — Articles 29, 36, 43, 60–62, 70 and 219; Annex I road classifications

Yes. The authority responsible for the road can establish a higher or lower signed limit according to its characteristics and traffic conditions. Follow that restriction and any vehicle-specific rule; the unsigned default does not override an authorised regulatory sign.

🔗 planalto.gov.br • Brazilian Traffic Code — Articles 29, 36, 43, 60–62, 70 and 219; Annex I road classifications

Brazil’s Traffic Code addresses ondulações transversais, commonly called lombadas, as physical speed-reduction devices subject to the national traffic authority’s criteria. Distinguish one from a raised pedestrian crossing.

🔗 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 auxiliary-device manual — sections 5.1 humps and 5.2 raised crossings

Read the accompanying speed restriction and reduce speed before the device. A numerical limit is a maximum; the height, profile, visibility and presence of pedestrians can require a slower approach.

🔗 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 auxiliary-device manual — sections 5.1 humps and 5.2 raised crossings

A raised device alone does not identify pedestrian priority. If it incorporates a crossing, apply the crossing’s controls and the national rules. Pedestrians on a marked crossing have priority, subject to signal-controlled rules. If the signal changes before they finish, let them complete the crossing. At an unsignalised junction, pedestrians already crossing also have priority.

🔗 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 auxiliary-device manual — sections 5.1 humps and 5.2 raised crossings

Brazilian steep-road warnings describe the hazard. The Traffic Code also treats driving downhill with the vehicle disengaged or in neutral as an offence; keep an appropriate gear engaged.

🔗 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

Reduce speed before the descent and select a suitable gear to help control the vehicle. Keep enough following distance and avoid building up speed that requires continuous heavy braking. A warning gives no fixed safe descent speed: the gradient, surface, visibility, load and vehicle can require a speed well below the legal maximum.

🔗 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

Do not overtake on a two-way single-carriageway road at a crest with insufficient visibility unless the applicable signs permit the manoeuvre under the Code. A slope warning alone does not permit unsafe overtaking.

🔗 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

Yes. Come to a complete stop when the applicable stop sign controls your approach, even when you cannot see another road user. Slowing to a crawl is not a stop. The Brazilian stop indication uses PARE.

🔗 gov.br • Brazil, CONTRAN, Sign Manual Volume I, 2007 edition hosted by DNIT; 🔗 planalto.gov.br • Brazil, Traffic Code, Law 9,503, compiled text

Stop before the prescribed stop line. Where no line is provided, stop before entering the junction at the applicable safe position. Give way to the traffic controlled as having priority and keep the pedestrian route clear.

🔗 gov.br • Brazil, CONTRAN, Sign Manual Volume I, 2007 edition hosted by DNIT; 🔗 planalto.gov.br • Brazil, Traffic Code, Law 9,503, compiled text

A complete stop does not, by itself, give you priority. Give way to the road users entitled to pass under the junction’s signs and rules, check pedestrians and cyclists, and proceed only when the gap is safe. Do not follow another stopped vehicle through without satisfying your own stopping and yielding duties.

🔗 gov.br • Brazil, CONTRAN, Sign Manual Volume I, 2007 edition hosted by DNIT; 🔗 planalto.gov.br • Brazil, Traffic Code, Law 9,503, compiled text

At an unsigned Brazilian rotatória, the Traffic Code gives priority to vehicles already circulating. Follow the actual signs or signals where they regulate the junction.

🔗 planalto.gov.br • Brazil, Traffic Code, Law 9,503, compiled text

Choose your intended exit before entering and follow the lane arrows and destination signs. Keep to the marked route and make any permitted lane change only when safe; having priority over entering traffic does not give you priority to change lanes.

🔗 planalto.gov.br • Brazil, Traffic Code, Law 9,503, compiled text

Check the lane you will cross or enter, signal the manoeuvre as required and look for cyclists and pedestrians at the exit. Obey any separate crossing controls and do not force an exit across another vehicle’s path.

🔗 planalto.gov.br • Brazil, Traffic Code, Law 9,503, compiled text

Pedestrians on marked crossings have priority, subject to the applicable traffic signals. A pedestrian who has not finished crossing keeps priority even when the vehicle light turns green. Drivers must also yield to pedestrians already crossing without markings and to pedestrians crossing a side road the driver is entering.

🔗 planalto.gov.br • Brazil, Traffic Code, Law 9,503, compiled text

A warning that pedestrians may cross ahead is different from a marked or signal-controlled crossing. Look for the actual crossing marking, pedestrian signals and any supplemental signs.

🔗 planalto.gov.br • Brazilian Presidency, Brazilian Traffic Code

Wait before the crossing until there is space beyond it; at junctions, do not enter if you would obstruct crossing traffic even on green. On a two-way road with a single carriageway, overtaking at a pedestrian crossing is prohibited unless signs permit it. Always respect pedestrian priority and do not pass a vehicle stopped for pedestrians merely because an adjacent lane appears clear.

🔗 planalto.gov.br • Brazil, Traffic Code, Law 9,503, compiled text

Stop before crossing railway tracks. Article 212 of Brazil’s Traffic Code requires a stop independently of a separate STOP sign. Check for trains and obey the crossing’s warnings, barriers and authorised directions before proceeding safely.

🔗 planalto.gov.br • Brazil, Traffic Code, Law 9,503, compiled text

Yes. Article 212 requires drivers to stop before crossing railway tracks; the duty does not depend on a separate STOP sign or barriers. Look and listen for trains and proceed only when the crossing is safe and the applicable controls allow it.

🔗 planalto.gov.br • Brazil, Traffic Code, Law 9,503, compiled text

Wait before the tracks until there is room to take your entire vehicle off the crossing. Do not follow another vehicle onto the tracks without checking the exit. Keep the tracks clear even if no train is visible.

🔗 planalto.gov.br • Brazil, Traffic Code, Law 9,503, compiled text

It prohibits the left, right or other turn shown at the junction or position controlled by the sign in Brazil. Follow any supplementary panel or authorised direction and choose another legal route.

🔗 gov.br • CONTRAN national sign manual Volume I — relevant regulatory signs, scope and supplementary conditions; later amendments separately checked

🔗 planalto.gov.br • Brazilian Traffic Code — 35–39, 89 and 206; R-4a/b distinct from R-5a/b

No. Brazil’s national manual expressly states that the no-left-turn sign does not itself prohibit a U-turn. A separate no-U-turn sign is needed to prohibit that movement by signing. The Traffic Code’s other U-turn prohibitions and safety requirements still apply.

🔗 gov.br • CONTRAN national sign manual Volume I — relevant regulatory signs, scope and supplementary conditions; later amendments separately checked

🔗 planalto.gov.br • Brazilian Traffic Code — 35–39, 89 and 206; R-4a/b distinct from R-5a/b

Yes, where the local sign system provides a supplementary condition or exemption, such as a vehicle class, time or authorised access. Without a valid exception, comply with the prohibited movement shown.

🔗 gov.br • CONTRAN national sign manual Volume I — relevant regulatory signs, scope and supplementary conditions; later amendments separately checked

🔗 planalto.gov.br • Brazilian Traffic Code — 35–39, 89 and 206; R-4a/b distinct from R-5a/b

The applicable speed is determined by the road classification and any posted local restriction. A school warning alone does not establish a single nationwide school speed.

🔗 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

A children or school warning alerts you to a potential hazard; the enforceable numerical speed limit depends on the applicable law, regulatory signs and any time or variable display. Slow further if children are near 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

Watch for children stepping out from between parked vehicles, obey crossings and any school patrol, and follow stopping or parking restrictions. Do not obstruct visibility near a crossing or school entrance; approach at a speed that permits a safe stop.

🔗 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

Red requires a stop. Amber requires stopping unless doing so would create danger; do not accelerate to beat it. Green permits movement subject to the normal priority and safety rules, and you must not enter a blocked junction. A right turn on red needs the specific permission signage required by article 44-A.

🔗 detraneduca.pr.gov.br • Brazil, DETRAN-PR, traffic-light meanings; 🔗 planalto.gov.br • Brazil, Traffic Code, Law 9,503, compiled text

Do not assume a turn is permitted on red. The Brazilian Traffic Code provides an exception for a right turn on red where authorised by specific signage; pedestrians and other users must be protected.

🔗 planalto.gov.br • Brazil, Traffic Code, Law 9,503, compiled text

No. A green signal is not a guarantee that the junction is empty. Check for people already crossing, vehicles completing a movement and any separate pedestrian, bicycle or turning signals. Do not enter if you cannot clear the junction safely.

🔗 planalto.gov.br • Brazil, Traffic Code, Law 9,503, compiled text

A yellow warning sign showing a traffic-signal symbol can alert drivers to traffic lights ahead; the exact shape and application follow local sign standards. It warns of a potential need to stop, but does not replace the actual signals.

🔗 gov.br • CONTRAN national sign manual Volume II — relevant hazard warnings and their separate function from regulatory controls

🔗 planalto.gov.br • Brazilian Traffic Code — 43, 89; warning A-14 separate from actual signals

No. A warning sign is not an automatic STOP instruction and does not create a new numerical speed limit. Reduce speed when necessary, look for a queue or a concealed signal, and obey the traffic lights and any separate speed or stop signs.

🔗 gov.br • CONTRAN national sign manual Volume II — relevant hazard warnings and their separate function from regulatory controls

🔗 planalto.gov.br • Brazilian Traffic Code — 43, 89; warning A-14 separate from actual signals

Allow enough distance to stop before the marked line, watch for vehicles braking suddenly and be ready for a pedestrian or cyclist crossing. If the signals are out of order or flashing, follow the applicable local failure and priority rules rather than guessing from the warning sign.

🔗 gov.br • CONTRAN national sign manual Volume II — relevant hazard warnings and their separate function from regulatory controls

🔗 planalto.gov.br • Brazilian Traffic Code — 43, 89; warning A-14 separate from actual signals

Where fitted, a green walking-person symbol indicates when pedestrians may begin to cross, and a red standing-person symbol means do not begin. Check that traffic has stopped and follow the exact locally displayed symbol or audible instruction.

🔗 gov.br • CONTRAN national sign manual Volume V — Table 3.2 green, red and flashing-red pedestrian indications

🔗 planalto.gov.br • Brazilian Traffic Code — 69–70; signal manual Table 3.2 red, flashing red, green and pedestrians completing a crossing

Do not begin a new crossing when the signal prohibits it. If you started lawfully and the indication changes, continue to a safe place promptly rather than stopping unexpectedly in traffic. Local flashing and countdown indications can vary.

🔗 gov.br • CONTRAN national sign manual Volume V — Table 3.2 green, red and flashing-red pedestrian indications

🔗 planalto.gov.br • Brazilian Traffic Code — 69–70; signal manual Table 3.2 red, flashing red, green and pedestrians completing a crossing

No. Drivers must watch for pedestrians still on the crossing and obey the local rules on giving way when turning. A signal for vehicles does not justify driving into someone who has not yet reached a safe place.

🔗 gov.br • CONTRAN national sign manual Volume V — Table 3.2 green, red and flashing-red pedestrian indications

🔗 planalto.gov.br • Brazilian Traffic Code — 69–70; signal manual Table 3.2 red, flashing red, green and pedestrians completing a crossing

In Brazil, ordinary passenger cars generally require category B. A different entitlement may be needed for motorcycles, heavy vehicles, trailers or passenger transport.

🔗 planalto.gov.br • Brazilian Traffic Code — Article 143, licence categories and applicable vehicle conditions

An eligible driver with a recognised, valid foreign licence may generally drive for up to 180 days from entering Brazil, subject to the applicable convention, agreement or reciprocity conditions and the licence category. Carry the original licence, identification and proof of entry, plus the accompanying IDP where required. International agreements and further licensing conditions can affect recognition; check with DETRAN before driving.

🔗 gov.br • CONTRAN Resolution 1,020/2025 — Articles 100–106, recognised foreign licences and accompanying IDP/original documents; replaces Resolution 933/2022

🔗 gov.br • SENATRAN — current foreign licence and IDP guidance, updated 11 May 2026

No. An International Driving Permit (IDP) is not a standalone driving licence. Where it is recognised or required, carry the underlying valid licence as well and check the accepted convention or translation requirements. An IDP cannot override a suspension, unsuitable vehicle category or local minimum age.

🔗 gov.br • CONTRAN Resolution 1,020/2025 — Articles 100–106, recognised foreign licences and accompanying IDP/original documents; replaces Resolution 933/2022

🔗 gov.br • SENATRAN — current foreign licence and IDP guidance, updated 11 May 2026

Brazilian highways commonly identify points by a road reference such as BR-101 km 50. Road section, direction and state may also be important.

🔗 gov.br • CONTRAN national sign manual Volume III — route/location/destination information and services; section 4.4 and sanitary-service pictogram SAU-11

🔗 planalto.gov.br • Brazilian Traffic Code — 43, 48, 61; indication manual section 4.1.5 kilometre identification and direction

If you can see a marker safely, give the emergency operator the route number or road name, travel direction and marker reading. Additional landmarks, exits and GPS position can help. Do not leave a safe place or enter traffic to read a post.

🔗 gov.br • CONTRAN national sign manual Volume III — route/location/destination information and services; section 4.4 and sanitary-service pictogram SAU-11

🔗 planalto.gov.br • Brazilian Traffic Code — 43, 48, 61; indication manual section 4.1.5 kilometre identification and direction

No. A location marker is for orientation and road management; it does not itself set a speed limit, change priority or permit parking. Follow the actual traffic signs and stop only where the law and safety allow.

🔗 gov.br • CONTRAN national sign manual Volume III — route/location/destination information and services; section 4.4 and sanitary-service pictogram SAU-11

🔗 planalto.gov.br • Brazilian Traffic Code — 43, 48, 61; indication manual section 4.1.5 kilometre identification and direction

It means that a driver may not voluntarily stop the vehicle in the restricted area. The prohibition normally includes stopping to pick up or drop off passengers or to load or unload goods.

🔗 ris.bka.gv.at • Austria, StVO sections 2, 23–24 and 52

🔗 gov.uk • Great Britain Highway Code, Rules 238–252; national guidance example

🔗 gov.uk • UK Department for Transport, parking-control signs and road markings

🔗 wegcode.be • Belgium, 1975 Road Code, Articles 2 and 23–27

A driver may have to stop because of an emergency, traffic conditions, a red light, police instructions or another situation outside the driver's control. Such compulsory stops are generally different from voluntarily stopping the vehicle.

🔗 ris.bka.gv.at • Austria, StVO sections 2, 23–24 and 52

🔗 gov.uk • Great Britain Highway Code, Rules 238–252; national guidance example

🔗 gov.uk • UK Department for Transport, parking-control signs and road markings

🔗 wegcode.be • Belgium, 1975 Road Code, Articles 2 and 23–27

Yes. SENATRAN states that the credential is compulsory for reserved spaces on public roads and in private establishments.

🔗 gov.br • Brazil, SENATRAN, digital parking credential service

Yes. SENATRAN provides issuance through its service portal and the Carteira Digital de Trânsito app, subject to the service’s eligibility checks.

🔗 gov.br • Brazil, SENATRAN, digital parking credential service

Only the distance necessary for small manoeuvres, without creating safety risks.

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

An escort can warn other road users and help an unusually large vehicle negotiate its planned route. The required escorts depend on local rules and the transport’s dimensions and weight. Do not assume a private escort has police powers to stop or direct traffic; British guidance expressly distinguishes those roles.

🔗 assets.publishing.service.gov.uk • Highways England, abnormal-load self-escort guidance

🔗 gov.uk • DVSA, special-types enforcement and escorts

Yes. Many countries use tourist or direction signs to guide travellers toward important attractions and places of interest.

🔗 wetten.overheid.nl • Vienna Convention on Road Signs and Signals, Annex 1, sections F and G, facilities and services; sign-system reference

🔗 mutcd.fhwa.dot.gov • US FHWA, MUTCD 11th Edition with Revision 1 (December 2025), Chapters 2H, 2I and 2M, service and recreational signs; US example

A car horn is a sound-producing warning device used to alert other road users when their attention is needed for safety.

🔗 wetten.overheid.nl • Vienna Convention on Road Traffic, Article 28; international framework subject to national law

🔗 gov.uk • Great Britain Highway Code, Rule 112; national guidance example

The horn should generally be used when a sound warning is necessary to help prevent danger or an accident. The exact circumstances in which horn use is permitted depend on local traffic laws.

🔗 wetten.overheid.nl • Vienna Convention on Road Traffic, Article 28; international framework subject to national law

🔗 gov.uk • Great Britain Highway Code, Rule 112; national guidance example

Generally, no. A horn is intended as a safety warning device, and unnecessary or excessive use may be prohibited by local traffic rules.

🔗 wetten.overheid.nl • Vienna Convention on Road Traffic, Article 28; international framework subject to national law

🔗 gov.uk • Great Britain Highway Code, Rule 112; national guidance example

A charging station is a location where electric vehicles can be connected to an electricity supply to recharge their batteries. A station may contain one or several individual charging points.

🔗 tfl.gov.uk • Transport for London, electric vehicles and charging points; London example

🔗 gesetze-im-internet.de • Germany, StVO Annex 3, sign 314, electric-vehicle parking duration controls

🔗 wetten.overheid.nl • Vienna Convention on Road Signs and Signals, Annex 1, sections E II.12 and H, supplementary parking conditions; sign-system reference

Charging stations are intended for vehicles that can be externally charged, such as battery-electric vehicles and plug-in hybrid vehicles. The exact vehicle categories permitted may be indicated by local signs or operator conditions.

🔗 tfl.gov.uk • Transport for London, electric vehicles and charging points; London example

🔗 gesetze-im-internet.de • Germany, StVO Annex 3, sign 314, electric-vehicle parking duration controls

🔗 wetten.overheid.nl • Vienna Convention on Road Signs and Signals, Annex 1, sections E II.12 and H, supplementary parking conditions; sign-system reference

Yes. Traffic signs, parking regulations or charging conditions may establish a maximum duration to encourage drivers to move their vehicles and make the charger available to others.

🔗 tfl.gov.uk • Transport for London, electric vehicles and charging points; London example

🔗 gesetze-im-internet.de • Germany, StVO Annex 3, sign 314, electric-vehicle parking duration controls

🔗 wetten.overheid.nl • Vienna Convention on Road Signs and Signals, Annex 1, sections E II.12 and H, supplementary parking conditions; sign-system reference

This depends on local rules. Cyclists may be required to use a cycle path or designated cycling facility, while in other situations they may ride on the carriageway.

🔗 wetten.overheid.nl • Vienna Convention on Road Traffic, Articles 20–21 and 27(4); international framework subject to national law

🔗 wetten.overheid.nl • Vienna Convention on Road Signs and Signals, Annex 1, section D, reserved/shared facilities; sign-system reference

🔗 gesetze-im-internet.de • Germany, StVO section 2(4)–(5)

A bus is a motor vehicle designed to transport a relatively large number of passengers. It may be used for public transport, school transport, private services or other passenger transport.

🔗 wetten.overheid.nl • Vienna Convention on Road Traffic, Articles 1(l)–(p), 7(5), 13(2) and 15; international framework subject to national law

🔗 gov.uk • Great Britain Highway Code, Rules 83–88; national guidance example

🔗 gov.uk • Great Britain Highway Code, Rules 221–223; national guidance example

No. Some countries require other drivers to give way to buses leaving designated stops, particularly in urban areas, while others apply the normal merging rules.

🔗 wetten.overheid.nl • Vienna Convention on Road Traffic, Articles 1(l)–(p), 7(5), 13(2) and 15; international framework subject to national law

🔗 gov.uk • Great Britain Highway Code, Rules 83–88; national guidance example

🔗 gov.uk • Great Britain Highway Code, Rules 221–223; national guidance example

They can. Some countries impose lower maximum speeds on buses than on passenger cars, particularly on high-speed roads. Different limits may apply to buses and coaches.

🔗 wetten.overheid.nl • Vienna Convention on Road Traffic, Articles 1(l)–(p), 7(5), 13(2) and 15; international framework subject to national law

🔗 gov.uk • Great Britain Highway Code, Rules 83–88; national guidance example

🔗 gov.uk • Great Britain Highway Code, Rules 221–223; national guidance example

Police help enforce traffic law, investigate collisions and respond to risks on the road. For example, Greater Manchester Police describe targeted road enforcement, a round-the-clock roads-policing response and specialist serious-collision investigation. Exact responsibilities and powers vary by jurisdiction.

🔗 gmp.police.uk • Greater Manchester Police, Roads Policing Strategy2024–2026

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.

🔗 wetten.overheid.nl • Vienna Convention on Road Traffic, Articles 5–6, authorised officials and directions; international framework subject to national law

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.

🔗 wetten.overheid.nl • Vienna Convention on Road Traffic, Articles 5–6, authorised officials and directions; international framework subject to national law