Rules of the Road in Portugal

 Driving in Portugal

 Rules of the Road in Portugal

 Buying a Car in Portugal

 Importing a Vehicle to Portugal

 Vehicle Testing in Portugal

Ensuring you are abreast of the rules and regulations will help you say fine free while in Portugal.

One of the most important things to remember though is, in Portugal we drive on the right.

 General Rules & Fines

All fines are subject under law to immediate payment. At the discretion of the law officer the vehicle can be seized until such payment is recorded.

Use of mobile phones when driving is illegal and subject to a fine of up to €600.00

Throwing objects or litter out of cars are subject to a fine of up to € 300.00

Passing another vehicle on their right side then the driver can be fined up to €1,250.00

Drivers failing to respect for "Stop" signs can lead to a fine of up to €2.500.00

Crossing white lines, jumping red lights, ignoring policemen signals, all are subject to losing a licence to drive from two months up to one year

Driving a vehicle without Insurance carries a fine of up to €2,500.00

Motorcycle riders and passengers must wear crash helmets.

It is illegal for a motorcycle to carry a passenger under the age of seven years.

Headlights must be on when driving through tunnels.

Dogs must be restrained in vehicles when moving.

 Driving & Driver's Licences

The minimum driving age for a UK licence holder in Portugal is 18.

The minimum car rental age is 23.

EC format pink/green licence is accepted; old style green paper licence or non-European licence must be accompanied with an International Driving Permit.

*more information on Driver's Licences in Portugal

 Speed Limits in Portugal

In Portugal you can be fined for not only driving too quickly, but also too slowly. So be careful to keep an eye on your speedometer when driving in Portugal.

Speed Limits

50kph (31 mph) in built-up areas

90/100kph (56/62mph) outside built up areas

120kph (74mph) on motor ways

When towing a trailer cars are limited to 70/80kph (43/50mph) outside built up areas and up to 100kph (62mph) on motor ways.

Driving below 50 Kms on Motorways can be fined up to €300.00

Direction of Traffic & Parking

The Portuguese drive on the right and overtake on the left

Parking cars facing against the flow of the traffic is illegal.

Do no park within 18 metres of a road junction

Do not park 15 metres of a bus stop

 Compulsory Equipment & Documents

All vehicles must carry within the interior of the car a legal reflector vest. This must be worn by any person investigating or carrying out repairs when outside the vehicle and the vehicle is stationary on the road.

If you are driving a left hand drive vehicle you must have headlight converters fitted and be displaying a GB sticker.

Carrying a spare bulb kit is also mandatory in Portugal.

 Passengers & Children in Cars

Children under twelve years of age must travel in the rear of the vehicle, except when fastened into the appropriate child-chairs.

Child, baby and booster seats are required by law to be used by children up to the age of 11 and must be used with their fastening system while travelling.

 Drinking & Driving

Exceeding the limit by 0.5% to 0.8 % is a fine of €1.250.00 and temporary loss of licence. From 0.8% to 1.2% is €2,500.00 plus loss of licence. Exceeding the limit of 1.5% is subject to immediate imprisonment

 Road Accidents in Portugal

You will need to place your warning triangle to alert other drivers and wear your fluorescent jacket when out of the vehicle.

The police (Guarda Nacional de Repúblicana -GNR) will make a report of the accident, taking details from all involved including details of your insurance company, driver's licences and IPO (vehicle test certificate). In some cases the police may ask you to provide a breath test to ensure you have not been driving under the influence of alcohol.