🛣️ Highway Patrol in Brazil
+55 · Federal Highway Police (PRF)
Brazil Highway Patrol emergency number is 191. Verified 2026-01. Official source: Polícia Rodoviária Federal. One-tap call, works offline.
Federal Highway Police (PRF)
Brazil · Highway Patrol
📝 Federal Highway Police for emergencies on federal highways. For state highways, contact state highway police where available.
🔢 Dedicated Number Pages
📍 Find Nearest Emergency Services
Use GPS to locate the nearest hospital, police station, or fire station near your current location.
🗣️ Emergency Phrases in Brazil
Use these phrases to communicate in an emergency when language is a barrier. Tap the speaker to play pronunciation.
⚠️ When NOT to Call Highway Patrol
- • Do not call 190 for non-urgent police matters - visit the local police station or use Civil Police services
- • Do not call 192 for minor injuries - visit a UPA (Unidade de Pronto Atendimento)
- • Do not make false emergency calls - punishable under Brazilian law
- • Do not call 191 for non-highway traffic issues
- • Do not call 199 for non-disaster civil matters
✈️ Travel Notes — Brazil
Emergency response varies significantly by region. Major cities like São Paulo, Rio de Janeiro, and Brasília have reliable SAMU ambulance services. Response in remote Amazon regions and rural areas may be significantly delayed. Private hospitals in major cities offer excellent emergency care. Public hospitals (SUS) provide free emergency treatment for everyone, including tourists.
🛡️ Traveling to Brazil? Protect Yourself
Emergency medical treatment and evacuation abroad can cost tens of thousands of dollars. We recommend securing travel insurance before your trip.
Best for digital nomads, expats, and long-term travel. Flexible monthly subscription.
Best for standard holidays, adventure sports, hiking, and activity-filled trips.
ℹ️ We may earn a commission if you purchase through our links, at no extra cost to you.
Highway Patrol Emergency Service in Brazil — Complete Guide
When traveling to Brazil or living there as an expat, knowing the correct highway patrol number Brazil can be critical for safety and emergency preparedness. The official emergency contact line for highway patrol services in Brazil is 191, which is operated and monitored by Polícia Rodoviária Federal. Federal Highway Police for emergencies on federal highways. For state highways, contact state highway police where available.
How to Call the Highway Patrol in Brazil
To reach the Federal Highway Police (PRF) in Brazil, dial 191 from any local telephone network, cellular phone, or public payphone. This emergency number is fully compatible with mobile networks and roaming devices. Calls to this emergency service are free of charge, meaning no prepaid airtime credit or active service plans are required. When dialing, make sure you stay calm, wait for the dispatcher to connect, and clearly speak in the local language or request English translation. State your location, the nature of the emergency, and any injuries immediately.
What to Expect When You Dial 191
When you call the highway patrol number in Brazil, you will be connected to a trained operator at Polícia Rodoviária Federal. These operators are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and 365 days a year to coordinate immediate dispatch. If you are a traveler facing a language barrier, remain on the line. Operators have access to translation services or are trained to handle foreign queries to ensure response teams are routed to your exact coordinates.
All Emergency Numbers in Brazil
Please note that Brazil utilizes different emergency lines for distinct situations. Besides the Highway Patrol (191), the following emergency services can also be reached directly: Military Police (Polícia Militar) (190), SAMU Emergency Medical Service (192), Fire Department (Corpo de Bombeiros) (193), Federal Highway Police (PRF) (191), Civil Defense (Defesa Civil) (199), Women's Helpline (Central de Atendimento à Mulher) (180). Additionally, the universal European/global emergency contact number 112 is active in Brazil and will redirect calls to the appropriate local agency.
Data Source & Verification
The emergency number 191 is verified against official directories published by Polícia Rodoviária Federal. Last verified on 2026-01. If you notice any outdated information or changed hotline details, please contact us so we can update the platform for traveler safety.
Frequently Asked Questions — Highway Patrol in Brazil
What is the Highway Patrol number in Brazil? ▼
The Highway Patrol emergency number in Brazil is 191. Federal Highway Police for emergencies on federal highways. For state highways, contact state highway police where available.
Does 191 work from mobile in Brazil? ▼
Yes, 191 works from all mobile phones in Brazil.
Can I call 191 without a SIM card? ▼
A SIM card is typically required. Try 112, the universal number, which works without a SIM on most networks.
Is calling 191 free in Brazil? ▼
Yes, calling 191 is free in Brazil. No airtime credit needed.
Who operates Highway Patrol in Brazil? ▼
The Highway Patrol service in Brazil is operated by Polícia Rodoviária Federal. Source: https://www.gov.br/prf/
What is the difference between 190 and 191 in Brazil? ▼
190 is the Military Police for urban emergencies. 191 is the Federal Highway Police (PRF) for emergencies on federal highways. For state highways, contact the state police.
Can I call 192 for free in Brazil? ▼
Yes. SAMU 192 is a free public emergency ambulance service. Emergency calls are free from any phone. Public hospital emergency treatment is also free for everyone.
Are emergency services available in the Amazon region? ▼
Emergency services in the Amazon are limited. Response times can be hours or days. Medical evacuation by air or boat may be necessary. In remote areas, emergency numbers may not connect.
What is the women's helpline in Brazil? ▼
180 is the national women's helpline (Central de Atendimento à Mulher) for domestic violence, abuse, and harassment. 24/7 service. Anonymous reporting is available.
What number do I call for a natural disaster in Brazil? ▼
Call 199 for Civil Defense (Defesa Civil) for floods, landslides, and other natural disasters. Also call 193 for fire and rescue if there is immediate danger.
Is 112 available in Brazil? ▼
112 is the GSM standard emergency number that works from mobile phones and typically redirects to 190 (Military Police). It is not the primary emergency number in Brazil.