While we know most local Portuguese drivers don’t always follow the rules, you definitely should to avoid any run-ins with the authorities. If you're visiting from a European country, your blue disabled badge is valid in Portugal, so just display it in your car when you park. Littering whilst driving is punishable by fine. Road Rules and Petrol Station. Absolutely, Yes. Warning for a crossroad with a side road on the left. In other road-traffic related news, accidents on Portugal’s roads have, between January and November this year, caused 409 deaths, 30 fewer than the same period of last year. Overtaking and passing. Around 2.5 million British nationals visited Portugal in 2019. Does it Snow? Prohibitory signs. Warning for a crossroad with side road on the right. There are coach buses running between the big cities offered by regional bus companies like Rede Expressos. Overall, Portuguese road signs are clear and easy to understand. We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. A Metro ticket will cost you €1.45 in Lisbon and can get you from one side of the city to another. General Portugal driving laws rules and regulations: Driving in Portugal is on the right hand side of the road. What is Portugal in Winter Really Like? There are also emergency phones positioned along the motorways if you are unable to use your own. Note: fines will only be accepted in Euros. The amount of tax paid is different for vehicles registered before and after July 2007. The toll system in Portugal is a little complicated, with a confusing payment system meaning there's a higher chance of being fined. The Portuguese tend to make up their own rules (or lack thereof) when it comes to parking, so unless otherwise signposted, expect to find most of the regulations and restrictions in the big cities. Want to learn more about living in Portugal? Traffic Signs in Portugal Here are some laws and restrictions to be aware of: 1. Drivers are required to keep a receipt as proof of payment. Rules of the Road in Portugal Traffic travels on the right. Priority signs. It's also against the law to travel in the furthest right lane unless you're planning on taking the first exit, so make sure you're travelling in the correct lane for where you're aiming to come off. Using your mobile phone whilst driving is illegal and will result in a fine. Watch out for aggressive drivers while driving through Portugal. But regions in Bulgaria, France, Portugal, Romania, Spain and the Czech Republic are deemed high risk, meaning arrivals must provide a negative PCR test result or sign a form confirming they will adhere to a 10-day quarantine. If you see a circular blue sign displaying a number this is the minimum speed you must drive on that particular road. The blood alcohol limit is 0.05%, except for drivers who have had their license for less than three years - the limit in this case is 0.02%. It’s illegal to use a mobile phone unless you have a hands-free system. Overtaking is on the left hand side of the road. 3 – Drivers must give way to bicycles … Seat belts when driving a hired car in Portugal are mandatory. Last updated: December 21, 2020 Country-Specific Information: The Department of State advises U.S. citizens to reconsider travel to Portugal due to COVID-19. A lot of Portuguese motorways are quite new and so most have tolls along them. If you are going to be driving in just one specific region of Portugal, look out for Turinta … In Portugal, the law is that you can have no more than 50 mg of alcohol in 100 ml of blood. Portugal travel advice Latest travel advice for Portugal, including how to stay safe during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic and information on returning to the UK. If a vehicle fails the test, a Red Form (Vinheta Vermelha) is issued listing the faults. subscribe today and be part of the community. When driving in Portugal, you'll need to obey the rules of the road, and that includes following traffic signs and parking regulations. Using a hands-free device is permitted. For now, much of Europe is on Austria’s “low-risk” list — meaning arrivals can visit without any restrictions. Restaurants and cafes, cultural facilities and monuments are open, There is a general recommendation for citizens to reduce circulation to what is necessary to avoid concentration of people and points of infection. Remember to drive on the right in Portugal. Traffic signs. ; By joining our email list, you give LazyTrips permission to use your email for sending you newsletters, emails and updates including for marketing purposes. Public road circulation ban / compulsory curfew Throughout the continental national territory is prohibited movement between municipalities, between the 23h of January 8 and 5 am on 11 January, except for medical reasons, urgency or other specifically provided. Car towing trailers should not drive above 80km/H. Main roads are sealed and generally in good condition. However, sometimes, the signs don’t jump out at you, so be sure to stay alert for changing speed zones or other warnings. You must be 18 or over to drive and hire a car in Portugal. Driving in another country can be a daunting experience, especially if you aren’t sure of the local road rules, where you can park or which side of the road to drive on. The scenery The speed limit in Portugal depends on the road type (unless otherwise sign-posted): Speed limit signs are white and circular, with the number written within a red ring. Motorcyclists must dip their headlights during the day and wear crash helmets. Car sharing apps like Uber, Taxify, and Cabify also exist in Portugal and are often cheaper than local taxis and available all day, every day. The motorways are all quite new and so the road conditions are extremely good and if you don’t mind paying for tolls, you will get around very quickly. A valid driver's license or an International Driving Permit if you don't have a photo card license, If you're from the UK you need a GB sticker on the back of your car unless you have Euro-plates, You need the certificate of your car insurance, your V5 registration document, or hire car paperwork, If your car is over three years old, you must carry your MOT certificate.A warning triangle to place in the road in case you break down, A reflective jacket which you need to wear if you stop and get out of your car at any point on the motorway, If you've had your license for less than a year you need a yellow '90' disk to display in your car. How Coronavirus Could Impact Portugal Golden Visa Rules, Choosing the Best International Schools in Portugal. Be aware that drivers younger than 25 may have to pay a young driver surcharge. The only difficulty might be in the city centres where the streets are very narrow and the roads are made of cobblestone. When being overtaken, motorists should keep as far right as possible and not accelerate. You can get one by applying to the Automovel de Club Portugal (ACP), Your passport - the Portuguese authorities often stop foreign drivers and check their ID, If you need to wear glasses to drive, you must have a spare pair with you in the car, On toll motorways the speed limit is 120km/75mph, On dual carriageways the speed limit is 100km/62mph, On other, smaller roads the speed limit is 90km/56mph, In built-up areas the speed limit is 50km/31mph. Here are some of the key rules you’ll need to know before driving in Portugal. Rules of the road. It's illegal to park closer than five metres from a junction, 25 metres before or five metres after a … You do need both an international driving permit and your driving licence to drive a rental car in Portugal however some companies will rent a car to you with just your own country’s driving licence. Check out: Your Ultimate Guide to Driving in Portugal. Email newsletters and marketing efforts. Learner, novice, and commercial drivers can only have 20 mg which essentially means they shouldn’t drink. Most visits are trouble-free. Our content is DMCA propected, and it can't be reproduced on other websites without our authorisation. Peculiarities of driving in Portugal: rules, details and regulations of traffic in the country. Everyone must know the traffic signs! If you're looking for ideas on where to go to on a road trip around Portugal, check out our epic itinerary: Portugal road trip - The ultimate Porto to Lisbon drive. LazyTrips is a trading name of Strategy Desk Ltd. 9 Awesome Music Festivals in Portugal for Summer 2020, Portugal in July: Your Ultimate Guide to Summer Fun, The Best Central Portugal Beaches: Your Guide to the Silver Coast, The 10 Best Beaches in the Algarve: Your 2020 Guide, Revolut Business Account, The Complete Guide. Please note - It is the child’s parent / guardian or vehicle renter’s responsibility to fit the child seat. However, the main dangers to be aware of include: Night driving Portugal’s modest network of estradas (highways) is gradually spreading across the country. You can’t do anything about this other than keep an eye out. Other “crazy” drivers Proof of residency which is usually your Registration Certificate that you should have from your local council; A completed IMT Model 13 application form; A photocopy of your current driving licence of if you have an EU licence, you will need to hand that over; Proof of identity (like your passport or birth certificate); A doctor’s certificate from a driving school (cost is usually €30); €30 for the IMT fee (if may vary depending which country you are from). Focus on the road and pull over to admire the country’s gorgeous landscape. Whether you are planning to stay along the Atlantic Coast, go south to the beaches of the Algarve, or north to wine country, these driving tips will help you be on your way in Portugal with confidence. Recommendations concerning safe driving, road infrastructure, parking, refueling, dealing with police, as well as some hints about car rental in Portugal - prepare your road journey in advance. It is compulsory for the driver and all passengers to wear a seatbelt. 14 amazing places to see the autumn leaves in Europe, Portugal road trip - The ultimate Porto to Lisbon drive, Driving in Spain: Your guide to Spanish toll roads, rules and parking, Driving in France: Car checklist, road rules and essential tips, Driving in Italy: Toll roads, driving rules, parking and top tips, Driving in Croatia: Tolls, roundabouts and road rules, Ireland driving tips: Rules, road signs and essential advice, Always lost? Your Ultimate Guide to Driving in Portugal: Rules, Documents and more! If you're travelling from outside of Europe you will need to obtain a temporary permit to park - your home country's permit won't work. However, if you get clued up before you set off, you'll find that these roads are really well maintained and connect the country well. Portuguese drivers don't have the best reputation - people are often impatient so will drive very close behind other cars and overtake without warning, so keep your wits about you! While driving in Portugal you must yield to disembarking tram passengers. Road Rules: Portugal by Campervan | Portugal This post on Portugal campervan hire was sponsored by Portugal by Van , but all opinions are my own! Some roads are not very well lit at night so be extra cautious. On-the-spot fines are common in Portugal, and expect to have to shell out in cash. All our articles are written by expats that live (or lived) in Portugal. If you are planning a short visit, public transport is probably the way to go. Vasco da Gama in Lisbon is the longest bridge in Europe, running some 17.2km. Don’t stress, we have got all the information you need right here. Portugal is a fairly safe country to drive in considering that there are far less drivers on the road than countries like the US, Australia or Germany. Drivers must yield to disembarking tram passengers. These roads are prefixed with an A or an E (e.g. There is an increased risk of forest fires during summer months and when the weather is hot and dry. Driving in Portugal is fairly easy. Despite this, more than 400 people lost their lives in 2017 in road accidents and more than 40,000 injured. If you are planning to stay long-term or holidaying for a couple of weeks, then having a car in Portugal can be an asset. This means you can explore areas such as the coastline in the Algarve, then drive through the capital city Lisbon, and finally head up to the wine region of Porto, all at the time and day of your choosing. General road rules in Portugal Driving is on the right side of the road while the steering wheel is on the left side of the vehicle; Seatbelts are compulsory for the driver and all passengers; The easiest method of payment is to get a V-Tag when you rent a car (most companies include it). 2. Cars already on the roundabout have the right of way, so wait your turn before you set off. Wearing headphones while driving is also illegal. Speed limits are indicated on circular signs with red border and a number. You’ll see some interesting vehicles on the road While the law allows you to drive from the age of 18, most rental agencies will require that you are above 21 years old or have had a driver’s license for at least five years. The V is for “Via Verde” (green way) and it allows you to automatically validate each time you pass through a toll way. Read on for our top tips for driving in Portugal, including etiquette, a checklist of what you need to bring, information on tolls, and where to park so you'll be cruising like a local in no time. Using your mobile phone whilst driving is illegal and will result in a fine. EU driving licenses are accepted in the country. 4. Headlights must always be used when driving through tunnels. A8 or E1) and use an exclusively electronic payment system; you won't be able to manually hand over any money as you drive from A to B. Most open at 7am and close at either 10pm or midnight, so if you're driving through the night be aware of where your fuel points are. Not sure of the rules of the road? This is quite rare though. It’s illegal to run out of petrol when crossing Lisbon’s mile-long 25 de Abril bridge. Did we answer all of your queries? You sometimes have to pay extra at the rental company when you return the car. Expat This number is the same across continental Europe, and operators will be able to answer in English. Feel free to leave us a comment below. It is worth noting that car hire in Portugal can get booked up very quickly, especially in summer, so we recommend booking as far in advance as possible to ensure availability and cheaper prices. 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