Carnaval 2026 Traffic and Safety Operations Underway Across Brazil
Authorities launch extensive traffic management and safety operations across federal and São Paulo state highways to handle the expected surge during Carnaval 2026.
- • Operação Carnaval 2026 started February 13, running through February 18, with intensified federal highway enforcement.
- • PRF focuses on preventing drunk driving, speeding, and illegal overtaking during peak traffic towards major carnival destinations.
- • São Paulo expects 19.8 million vehicles on its highways with dedicated special operational plans and enhanced toll booth capacity.
- • Road conditions are monitored 24/7 in coordination with police using advanced technology and traffic control systems.
Key details
The Polícia Rodoviária Federal (PRF) has launched Operação Carnaval 2026 at midnight on February 13, continuing through Ash Wednesday, February 18, as part of its final and largest phase of the Rodovida operation started in December 2025. This initiative intensifies federal highway monitoring focusing on critical infractions that cause accidents, such as drunk driving, speeding, and illegal overtaking. The PRF anticipates significant traffic heading to carnival hotspots like Rio de Janeiro, São Paulo, Minas Gerais, Espírito Santo, Santa Catarina, Bahia, Pernambuco, Paraíba, and Ceará, as well as heavy return flows due to traditional festivities.
In 2025, PRF conducted over 3.5 million breathalyzer tests, which led to more than 9,000 citations and 43,000 refusals to test, underscoring its commitment to road safety. Travelers are advised to plan journeys carefully, use seat belts, respect speed limits, maintain safe distances, and for motorcyclists to wear helmets and keep headlights on to improve visibility.
On the state level, São Paulo expects approximately 19.8 million vehicles on its highways between February 14 and 18, mainly moving between the metropolitan area and coastal or inland destinations. Concessionaires have enacted a Special Operational Planning (POE) providing increased staffing, operational control centers, fully staffed toll booths, and queue management systems to handle peak demand efficiently. Key corridors like AutoBan, Raposo Tavares, and Rodoanel Oeste will see heightened traffic volumes.
The Agência de Transporte do Estado de São Paulo (ARTESP) works closely with the Military Police to monitor roads 24/7 through advanced technology and strategically positioned vehicles. Toll booths will be operated at full capacity with special restrictions on heavy load transport. User comfort is supported with open rest areas and service stations, while real-time traffic updates and automated toll payments via the Siga Fácil system enhance traveler convenience.
Together, federal and state authorities are executing comprehensive traffic and safety measures to manage the anticipated surge in vehicle flow during Carnaval 2026, aiming to reduce accidents, ensure traveler safety, and maintain smooth transit across Brazil's busiest roads during this major holiday.
This article was translated and synthesized from Brazilian sources, providing English-speaking readers with local perspectives.
