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© 2016 Dwellworks
Page 24
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.