No, Brazil’s traffic code (CTB, Law 9.503/1997) prohibits driving while wearing headphones or earphones that impair auditory perception, with enforcement by CONTRAN (National Traffic Council). Violations carry fines (R$ 130.16) and 5-point license penalties. The 2026 update to Resolution 925/2022 tightens enforcement, requiring police to verify impairment claims via standardized tests.
Key Regulations for Driving with Headphones in Brazil
- Auditory Impairment Clause (CTB Art. 252, V): Prohibits headphones/earphones that limit environmental sound detection, including noise-canceling devices if they obstruct external noise.
- CONTRAN Resolution 925/2022: Mandates police to use decibel meters and reaction tests to prove impairment; mere presence of headphones is insufficient for conviction.
- 2026 Compliance Shift: New guidelines require traffic agents to document auditory tests in accident reports, increasing liability for drivers using such devices.
Exemptions apply to hearing aids and professional communication headsets (e.g., truckers with hands-free systems), provided they do not obstruct ambient sound. Courts have upheld fines even when no accident occurred, citing risk mitigation under CTB’s preventive principle. Local traffic authorities in São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro prioritize enforcement during peak hours.