Truck Restrictions on Brazil’s Federal Highways: How They Work and How to Avoid Fines

Road transportation is the most widely used mode for companies in Brazil. Because of heavy traffic and the impact of large vehicles on the busiest stretches, there’s a truck restriction calendar for federal highways during holidays.

Long, heavy vehicles on two-lane highways slow traffic and raise the risk of crashes during peak travel periods.

To reduce that risk, Brazil’s Federal Highway Police (PRF) publishes an ordinance every year restricting oversize and overweight trucks during holiday periods.

In this article, we explain how these restrictions work and how to plan your operation to avoid fines.

What are the truck restrictions on Brazil’s federal highways?

The restrictions are set by a PRF ordinance published each year with the holiday calendar. In 2026, the ordinance in force is PRF Ordinance (Portaria DIOP/PRF) No. 26 of March 6, 2026, with its annex updated by Ordinance No. 121 of September 8, 2026.

On specified days and times, it bans vehicles or vehicle combinations that exceed any of the limits in Contran Resolution No. 882/2021:

• maximum width: 2.60 meters (8.5 ft);
• maximum height: 4.40 meters (14.4 ft);
• total length: 19.80 meters (65 ft);
• gross combined weight: 57 metric tons.

The restriction applies even to vehicles with a special transit permit (AET or AE) and covers cargo vehicle combinations (such as B-trains and road trains), car carriers, and combinations carrying vehicles and palletized cargo.

Where and when does it apply?

The restriction applies to two-lane (single-carriageway) stretches of federal highways. In 2026, the states of Acre, Amazonas, Amapá, Pará, and Roraima have no restrictions, and some states have specific rules for certain holidays.

Times vary by holiday and year, so before scheduling trips around holidays, check the current calendar on the PRF traffic restriction page (in Portuguese).

What’s the penalty?

Driving during a restriction period is a violation under Article 187 of Brazil’s Traffic Code. Beyond the fine, the vehicle can’t continue until the restriction period ends, which delays the delivery.

Other traffic restrictions

Beyond the federal holiday restrictions, other rules vary by region, such as license-plate driving restrictions in large cities and zones with time limits for trucks. Freight vehicle traffic can also be limited by:

• maximum axle and total weight;
• hazardous materials transport;
• bridge and tunnel clearance;
• stretches closed to certain vehicles;
• loading and unloading windows.

How to avoid fines

1. Check the rules before scheduling trips

Before starting a route, check the PRF calendar and the traffic rules at your destination. On long holiday weekends, consider leaving earlier or later to avoid restriction windows.

2. Use technology to plan routes around restrictions

Automating route planning is the best way to keep your fleet well managed. With the right tools, you can identify restricted stretches and create your own zones to avoid, such as roads in poor condition or areas with high cargo theft.

Create your own restriction zones

The Restriction Zone API from Maplink Cloud’s Platform lets you create restriction zones that steer your vehicles away from roads in poor condition, dangerous areas, and stretches with specific traffic rules.

Integrated with your system, platform, or app, it lets you define restricted areas based on your operation’s needs, and it works alongside other Platform APIs such as Trip for route planning and Toll for toll calculation.

Maplink Cloud has spent more than 25 years bringing together geolocation, cloud, and data intelligence for companies across Latin America. With Maplink Cloud Managed Services, our team integrates these APIs with your TMS, ERP, or WMS.

Explore the Restriction Zone API ➜