Brazil on a German Licence 2026: Card and Passport Suffice
Germany
Brazil
A German licence plus passport is enough for a tourist stay, says the Auswärtiges Amt; an IDP or certified Portuguese translation is advised, and is mandatory for old grey licences. Zero alcohol.
German drivers are used to a licence that works everywhere in the EU without a second document. Brazil is closer to that than many expect, but it differs sharply on alcohol and on the state of the roads beyond the big highways.
What to carry
Germany’s Foreign Office says that for a tourist stay a German licence plus a passport is generally enough. To avoid misunderstandings it recommends carrying an international permit or a certified Portuguese translation as well; for the old grey paper licence, the certified translation is mandatory. Canadian and UK advice put the limit for driving on a foreign licence at 180 days. The Driving Permit Checker covers neighbouring countries.
Zero alcohol
The Auswärtiges Amt describes an absolute alcohol ban for drivers. Under the traffic code, driving after any alcohol brings a BRL 2,934.70 fine and a 12-month suspension, and police run checkpoints. Against Germany’s 0.5 per mille, the only workable rule is not to drink at all.
Limits and fines
Brazil keeps right, as at home. On main urban roads the limit is 60 km/h; on highways it is 100 km/h on single carriageways and 110 on dual carriageways, and 60 on unpaved roads, unless signs say otherwise. Exceeding a limit by up to 20% costs BRL 130.16 and 4 points. Canada reports good federal highways between big cities but poorly kept rural roads with potholes and little lighting, and the German Foreign Office advises avoiding night drives. The Speeding Fine Calculator estimates larger tickets.
Emergencies: military police 190, ambulance 192, fire 193. See the Brazil driving guide for tolls and regional detail.
Sources
- Auswärtiges Amt, Brasilien: Reise- und Sicherheitshinweise (German licence plus passport generally sufficient; IDP or certified Portuguese translation recommended, mandatory for old grey licences; absolute alcohol ban; avoid night driving): auswaertiges-amt.de
- Global Affairs Canada, Brazil travel advice (180 days on a foreign licence; road conditions; police 190, ambulance 192, fire 193): travel.gc.ca
- Código de Trânsito Brasileiro, Lei 9.503/1997, arts. 61 (speed limits), 165 (alcohol), 218 and 258-259 (speeding fine and points): planalto.gov.br
- GOV.UK foreign travel advice, Brazil (Brazilian licence needed after 180 days): gov.uk
- StVG § 24a (0.5 per mille in Germany): gesetze-im-internet.de
Speed limits, fines, equipment & license requirements
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Frequently Asked Questions
Not by law for a tourist stay with a current card licence. The Auswärtiges Amt says a German licence plus passport is generally enough, but recommends an international permit or a certified Portuguese translation to avoid misunderstandings. Holders of the old grey paper licence must carry a certified translation.
Zero. Brazil's traffic code makes driving after any alcohol an offence, with a BRL 2,934.70 fine and a 12-month suspension, against Germany's 0.5 per mille.
Up to 180 days, according to Canadian and UK government advice; after that a Brazilian licence is needed.