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A seemingly harmless gesture can be a real pain in the neck: sticking your arm out of a vehicle window is considered a minor infraction according to the Brazilian Traffic Code. This behavior can result in fines and points on your license, as well as posing a safety risk.
Putting your arm out of the car may seem like a simple, even automatic gesture. But this practice is far from harmless. According to the Brazilian Traffic Code (CTB), the act is considered a medium infraction and can result in consequences for the driver.
According to article 252 of the Brazilian Traffic Code, driving with your arm outside the car is an infraction subject to a fine. The fine is R$130,16. In addition, the driver receives four points on their National Driver's License (CNH). Even though the infraction is not among the most common, it is subject to a citation by traffic officers.
The rule applies to both the driver and the passengers. Even if it is the passenger who puts his arm out, it is the driver who can be penalized for the violation.
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Article 252 does not only deal with having an arm outside the car. It also considers it a medium-level infraction to drive with people, animals or objects placed on the driver's left side, or between their arms and legs.
This can hinder movement and put driving at risk. Even though it may seem practical, transporting something this way can result in a fine.
Another point addressed is the driver's physical condition. If there is any physical or mental limitation that affects the driver's ability to drive, this will also be considered a medium-level offense. This includes, for example, situations in which a person is medicated or injured in a way that impairs their reflexes.
The law also specifies the type of footwear that is permitted. Driving is not permitted in footwear that is not secure or that compromises the use of the pedals. This includes flip-flops and loose-fitting shoes. The justification is safety when braking or accelerating.
The code also warns against driving with only one hand on the steering wheel. The exception is when the driver needs to make an arm signal, change gears or activate some vehicle equipment. Otherwise, the practice may result in an infraction. The infraction will be very serious if the driver of the vehicle has a cell phone in the other hand.
With information from Vrum.
