TRAVEL INFORMATION - Brazil - page 433

DIRECTORY
CAR RENTALS

On highways and secondary
roads, drivers tend to be
fearless overtaking other
vehicles, even when
they can't see what's
around the bend.
Parking in cities can
be a bit tricky. It is
worth paying extra
for a hotel with a
lock-up garage
facility. Do not leave
valuables in the car.
It is also worth paying
a few reais to self-
appointed “guards”
who may approach you
to watch over your car.

switch lanes constantly, for no
apparent reason, normally
without signaling.
Things have improved
significantly over the
past few years as a
result of the use of
photo radar. Seatbelt
laws are also rigor-
ously enforced. But in
larger cities such as
São Paulo, Rio, and
Salvador, traffic is still
very chaotic. In case
of an emergency, it is
best to call the Policia
Militar (see pp428-9).
Road accidents should
be reported to the
department of transport,
Detran , in the respective state .

Avis
Tel [phone] (São Paulo)
or [phone].
www .avis.com.br
Localiza
Tel [phone].
www .localiza.com.br

EMERGENCY

Detran
Tel [phone] (Rio de
Janeiro).

Parking
sign

RULES OF THE ROAD

on these roads. Generally
speaking, the roads in
southern states such as Rio
and São Paulo are much
better than in northeastern
or Amazônian states such as
Bahia or Rondônia. Even in
the south, roads in bad con-
dition are not uncommon.
Traveling by night is best
avoided. With very few
exceptions, highways in
Brazil are poorly lit, and com-
pletely lacking in reflective
paint, reflective signage, and
the road-side reflectors that
show the edge of the road.
The best compilation of
national road maps come
bundled with the Guia
Quatro Rodas , a publication
brought out by a Brazilian
motoring organization of
the same name, available
at newsstands, bookstores,
and magazine stalls.

Officially, the rules of the
road are much the same as
in Continental Europe or the
United States. Drive on the
right side of the road; unlike
the USA, right turns on red
lights are not allowed.
Roundabouts are common
only in Brasília. The right of
way is always with the car
already in the roundabout,
or to the left.
However, it is the
application of these rules -
or lack thereof - that sets
Brazil apart. Most Brazilians
are aggressive and impatient
drivers. They tend to drive
fast, overtake often, either
on the right or left, and when
they cannot, they hang
impatiently on your back
bumper. Do not expect the
large bus driving next to you
to stay in its lane. Drivers

ROAD NETWORK

Brazil's intercity road
network is made up of state
and federal highways. Federal
highways are denoted by the
initials BR followed by the
number of the highway (BR-
163). State roads are indicated
by the state initials (RJ for Rio
de Janeiro, PA for Pará, and
so on) followed by the
highway number (PA-150).
Toll roads have become more
common recently. Most are
run by private companies.
They are usually well
maintained and offer roadside
assistance.
Most other state and federal
highways are undivided
2-lane blacktops, with occa-
sional passing lanes. Care
is required when driving

Road sign meaning “slow down” on a highway near Goiás