Indian Licence in Brazil 2026: 180 Days and Zero Alcohol
India
Brazil
A foreign licence can be used in Brazil for up to 180 days; carry an IDP from your RTO as a Portuguese translation. You switch to the right, and any alcohol at the wheel brings a BRL 2,934.70 fine.
For an Indian driver, Brazil changes the most basic habit in the first minutes: India keeps left, Brazil keeps right. Mirrors, gear lever and the instinctive glance at junctions all flip, and the mistakes come at roundabouts and after turns. Pick up the car somewhere quiet rather than in central São Paulo, and check every junction consciously until right-hand driving feels normal.
Licence and permit
Canadian and UK government advice says visitors may drive in Brazil on a valid foreign licence for up to 180 days. Canada, which like India belongs to the 1949 Geneva Convention but not the 1968 one, tells its drivers to carry an international permit as an official Portuguese translation for dealing with local authorities. Get the IDP from your RTO before departure and keep it with your licence and passport. The Driving Permit Checker covers neighbouring countries.
Zero alcohol
India’s limit is 30 mg per 100 ml; Brazil allows none. Under the traffic code, driving after any alcohol brings a BRL 2,934.70 fine and a 12-month suspension, and Canada notes that police can take your licence on the spot. Whoever drives drinks nothing.
Limits and fines
On main urban roads the limit is 60 km/h; highways allow 100 km/h on single carriageways and 110 on dual carriageways, and unpaved roads 60, unless signed otherwise. Exceeding a limit by up to 20% costs BRL 130.16 and 4 points. Canada reports good federal highways but poorly kept rural roads with potholes and little lighting, and aggressive driving. The Speeding Fine Calculator estimates larger tickets.
Emergencies: military police 190, ambulance 192, fire 193. The Brazil driving guide covers tolls and electronic lanes.
Sources
- Global Affairs Canada, Brazil travel advice (home licence up to 180 days; carry an IDP as an official Portuguese translation; zero tolerance; road conditions; police 190, ambulance 192, fire 193): travel.gc.ca
- GOV.UK foreign travel advice, Brazil (Brazilian licence needed after 180 days): gov.uk
- 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
- UN Treaty Collection, 1949 and 1968 Conventions on Road Traffic (India and Canada 1949 parties; Brazil a 1968 party): treaties.un.org, treaties.un.org
- India, Motor Vehicles Act 1988 s.185 (30 mg per 100 ml): indiacode.nic.in
Speed limits, fines, equipment & license requirements
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Frequently Asked Questions
The right. India keeps left, so this is the biggest adjustment; take your first drive on quiet roads and be deliberate at junctions and roundabouts.
Carry one. Canada, which like India belongs only to the 1949 convention, tells its drivers that a home licence is valid for up to 180 days and that an international permit, as an official Portuguese translation, helps with local authorities. Get it from your RTO before you fly.
Zero. Brazil's traffic code makes driving after any alcohol an offence, with a BRL 2,934.70 fine and a 12-month suspension, stricter than India's 30 mg per 100 ml.