Overview
- Coverage published Saturday and Sunday reiterated that article 198 of the Código de Trânsito Brasileiro makes it an infraction to refuse left‑lane passage when another driver signals intent to overtake.
- Article 30 of the code requires the driver in the left lane to move right without accelerating once they perceive an overtaking request, but only when it is safe to do so.
- Both blocking the left lane (art.198) and illegal passing on the right (art.199) are classified as medium infractions and currently carry the same penalty of R$130.16 plus four CNH points.
- The rule applies to any multi‑lane road in the same direction, including federal and state highways, express urban arteries, and divided avenues, and traffic enforcement rests with authorities and equipment, not the lead driver.
- Drivers must balance the duty to yield with safety: they are not required to make lane changes that would create risk from blind spots, nearby motorcycles, heavy vehicles, obstacles or prohibiting signage.