Discovering Brazil

Other items to note when driving in Brazil:  Indicators or hazard lights are also used to direct caution: left turn signals it's unsafe to pass – right turn signals it's safe to pass  Headlights flashed at oncoming traffic can indicate danger ahead such as an accident or perhaps the presence of police  Due to the high rate of car-jacking and robbery at traffic lights in major cities such as São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro, drivers are not required to stop at red lights at night, but be cautious of other drivers  Drivers in Brazil may be spontaneous and indicators and mirrors are not often used. Do not expect prior indication of a turn or other maneuver, so pay close attention to the road and drivers actions around you  Drivers should keep doors locked and windows closed, particularly at junctions and intersections and especially at night Brazilian point system: A Brazilian driver’s license has 20 points on it, and points are deducted for infractions. What to Carry in the Car It is a legal requirement to carry the following in the car at all times:  Driving license ( Carteira de Habilitação )  Vehicle license papers, or CRLV ( Certificado de Registro e Licenciamento do Veículo )  Road tax documents (IPVA)  Hazard reflective triangle Road Tax (IPVA) A mandatory motor vehicle ownership tax ( Imposto sobre Propriedade de Veículos Automotores ) is payable for all motor vehicles in Brazil. This is paid annually in January, and the day in which it is to be paid corresponds with the final digit of the vehicle's registration number. It can also be divided in three payments due in January, February, and March. In addition, there is a process referred to as licenciamento , but the month in which it is paid corresponds with a different digit of the vehicle’s registration number. A driver must pay any outstanding fines for parking or speeding to obtain the licenciamento . The IPVA tax is calculated on the vehicle's value and is levied by the state, though the municipality in which the car is registered also receives money. The money is used at state and municipal level for general purposes. When the payment is due, the car owner will receive a letter from the Brazilian State Transport Department (DETRAN) office indicating the amount due and a due date; with it you can make the payment at any bank, just remember to bring the CRLV document at that time. After making payment, the statement sent by DETRAN must be kept with the other vehicle documents in the car to indicate that the IPVA has been paid. Failure to pay the IPVA incurs a fine. An updated CRLV is sent through the post by the local DETRAN.

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Discovering Brazil