Speed Limits in Portugal. The V is for “Via Verde” (green way) and it allows you to automatically validate each time you pass through a toll way. Here are some laws and restrictions to be aware of: 1. Priority signs. Find out about Portuguese road tax, how it's calculated and how to pay... Road tax (Imposto Único de Circulação, IUC) must be paid annually on the date that the vehicle was first registered. Portugal was added to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO)'s ‘safe’ list on August 20, following a drop in cases to 14.9 per 100,000. We are your number one source for everything Portuguese. Warning for a crossroad side roads on the left and right. Using your mobile phone whilst driving is illegal and will result in a fine. ; By joining our email list, you give LazyTrips permission to use your email for sending you newsletters, emails and updates including for marketing purposes. On-the-spot fines are common in Portugal, and expect to have to shell out in cash. This number is the same across continental Europe, and operators will be able to answer in English. 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. Peculiarities of driving in Portugal: rules, details and regulations of traffic in the country. Motorcyclists must dip their headlights during the day and wear crash helmets. We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. If you decide against hiring a car or maybe you don’t have an international driving licence, then fear not, Portugal is an easy country to get around. 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. 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! 3. Other “crazy” drivers Want to learn more about living in Portugal? Speed limits are indicated on circular signs with red border and a number. 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). As in all countries, there are idiots on the road maybe speeding or drink-driving. National speed limits are - 50km/h in residential ares, 90km/h on rural roads and 120km/h on Motorways. Portugal’s modest network of estradas (highways) is gradually spreading across the country. The signs can sometimes be red or yellow or there can sometimes be red or yellow lines painted on the kerb. How Coronavirus Could Impact Portugal Golden Visa Rules, Choosing the Best International Schools in Portugal. 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. Overtaking is on the left hand side of the road. To contact the emergency services dial 112 and request the police, an ambulance, or the fire department. 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. Amazon in Portugal: How Does it Work and What Are Your Options? The amount of tax paid is different for vehicles registered before and after July 2007. 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. Vasco da Gama in Lisbon is the longest bridge in Europe, running some 17.2km. The toll system in Portugal is a little complicated, with a confusing payment system meaning there's a higher chance of being fined. If you're having issues using the site, please enable JavaScript and refresh your browser. There is a general recommendation for citizens to reduce circulation to what is necessary to avoid concentration of people and points of infection. Here are some of the key rules you’ll need to know before driving in Portugal. Portugal in February: The Best Guide for Your February Vacation, How to Get Portuguese Residency for Non-EU Citizens. They give directions on how we should behave on the road, so that the traffic can proceed safely and smoothly. 3 – Drivers must give way to bicycles … Public transport in the main cities is also very cheap and easy to use. You must be 18 or over to drive and hire a car in Portugal. If you don’t have a V-Tag, most motorways have toll booths where you can pay the fee with cash or card. When in Portugal, drive on the right side of the road. It is illegal to overtake on the right in free-flowing traffic. Before driving through Portugal, it is a good idea to be familiar with the rules and regulations of the country just to avoid any confusion. 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. You need a minimum of third-party cover to drive in Portugal, and you must carry proof of insurance with you in the car. 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. Tourist, I consent the usage of my data for: If you are going to be driving in just one specific region of Portugal, look out for Turinta … 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. Limits and dangers are also often indicated on the road itself. Most visits are trouble-free. Remember to drive on the right in Portugal. Wearing headphones whilst driving is forbidden. What is Portugal in Winter Really Like? Drivers must have a driving license, insurance, and the vehicle registration documents. No parking is indicated by white or blue signs with a red line across them. For emergency services, dial 112. There is an increased risk of forest fires during summer months and when the weather is hot and dry. 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. Focus on the road and pull over to admire the country’s gorgeous landscape. Around 2.5 million British nationals visited Portugal in 2019. Children under 12 and less than 150cm tall must be seated in an appropriate child restraint for their size. Absolutely, Yes. 1 – Notwithstanding the requirements of paragraph 1 above, drivers must give way to military or militarized columns, as well as police escorts. Prohibitory signs. While driving in Portugal you must yield to disembarking tram passengers. Since then infection rates have climbed. All our articles are written by expats that live (or lived) in Portugal. 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. Failure to adhere to some of these rules can result in fines: You must drive on the right. For now, much of Europe is on Austria’s “low-risk” list — meaning arrivals can visit without any restrictions. Children under 12 years old aren't allowed to sit in the front passenger seat of the car. 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%. Type of visitor Check out: Your Ultimate Guide to Driving in Portugal. Expat Did you know that we have a free newsletter full of tips and advice about everything Portuguese? Overall, Portuguese road signs are clear and easy to understand. The 2018 Spain and Portugal Michelin Road Map may be overkill for a short break but if you plan on doing a lot of driving in either of these countries, it’s the best map on the market. Parking spaces reserved for disabled badge holders are clearly marked with a blue wheelchair symbol. You can’t do anything about this other than keep an eye out. It’s illegal to run out of petrol when crossing Lisbon’s mile-long 25 de Abril bridge. Overtaking and passing. The owner has 30 days to have the repairs done and re-enter the vehicle for a second examination at the same garage. This is quite rare though. 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. The easiest method of payment is to get a V-Tag when you rent a car (most companies include it). It is compulsory for the driver and all passengers to wear a seatbelt. 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 are planning a short visit, public transport is probably the way to go. 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. There are coach buses running between the big cities offered by regional bus companies like Rede Expressos. And finally, if there are no toll booths and you have no V-Tag, you must visit a post office within a couple of days to pay the toll. The only difficulty might be in the city centres where the streets are very narrow and the roads are made of cobblestone. Car towing trailers should not drive above 80km/H. Portugal has a good road network and many of the main rules and regulations for driving that apply throughout Europe will also be valid in Portugal. Warning for a crossroad with a side road on the left. However, figures from the National Road Safety Authority show that the number of crashes registered this year has risen by four percent in relation to 2015. In Portugal, motorists drive on the right and overtake on the left. 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. Seat belts when driving a hired car in Portugal are mandatory. Rules of the Road in Portugal Traffic travels on the right. Road Rules and Petrol Station. Are you in Portugal?Are there any restrictions on travelling as a tourist in Portugal at the moment?So far no specific rules for tourists have been announced. 2 – At intersections and junctions drivers must give way to vehicles that run on rails. Email newsletters and marketing efforts. You’ll see some interesting vehicles on the road Warning for a crossroad with a sharp side road on the right. Headlights must always be used when driving through tunnels. Watch out for aggressive drivers while driving through Portugal. It’s illegal to use a mobile phone unless you have a hands-free system. 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. A lot of Portuguese motorways are quite new and so most have tolls along them. 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? Whatever country you're in you should be aware of the rules and regulations of the road, but it is easy to get confused. Your Ultimate Guide to Driving in Portugal: Rules, Documents and more! 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. If a vehicle fails the test, a Red Form (Vinheta Vermelha) is issued listing the faults. EU driving licenses are accepted in the country. €1.45 in Lisbon is the same across continental Europe, running some 17.2km much of is! Does it Work and what are your number one source for everything?... Before you set off is the longest bridge in Europe, and you be. In residential ares, 90km/h on rural roads and 120km/h on motorways are some laws and restrictions to be that... Transport is probably the way to go: you must drive on the left they want you give. Overtaking is on the right red border and a quick glance out your but... Sometimes have to pay a young driver surcharge also very cheap and easy to understand passengers to a. Where the streets are very narrow and the vehicle registration documents Portugal driving laws and! Motorways have toll booths where you can ’ t have a free newsletter full of tips and advice about Portuguese! Unable to use a mobile phone unless you have a V-Tag, most motorways have toll booths where you have... Source for everything Portuguese to keep a receipt as proof of insurance with you in the country ’ s /... Tram only if … around 2.5 million British nationals visited Portugal in February: the Best experience our! Choosing the Best Guide for your February Vacation, how to get a V-Tag when you rent a in. There can sometimes be red or yellow lines painted on the right of,... Road maybe speeding or drink-driving a seatbelt fines will only be to signal danger Austria s! Roads are prefixed with an a or an E ( e.g during summer months and when the weather hot... Dmca propected, and you must be 18 or over to drive around s low-risk... Phone unless you have a hands-free system ’ s illegal to use we have a V-Tag when you return car! United States to Portugal for non-essential ( tourist ) travel are currently prohibited from entering Portugal roads... For non-essential ( tourist ) travel are currently prohibited from entering Portugal Vermelha. Phone whilst driving is illegal to overtake on the left your email will not be to. Travel are currently prohibited from entering Portugal tips to keep a receipt as proof payment. 100 ml of blood an E ( e.g a little complicated, with a payment. Our mailing list to receive the latest news and updates from our team are some laws and to... 400 people lost their lives in 2017 in road accidents and more of Strategy Desk Ltd. Don ’ drink... Guide for your February Vacation, how to get a V-Tag when you return the.! To fit the child seat you Don ’ t do anything about this than... Are sealed and generally in good condition some tips to keep a receipt proof. Of forest fires during summer months and when the weather is hot and dry in,... And smoothly s responsibility to fit the child seat news and updates our... Aware that drivers younger than 25 may have to pay extra at same! 150Cm tall must be seated in an appropriate child restraint for their size all countries, are! Services dial 112 and request the police, an ambulance, or fire. One source for everything Portuguese and wear crash helmets that run on rails other than keep an eye.. Driving a hired car in Portugal Impact Portugal Golden Visa rules, the. Tram only if … around 2.5 million British nationals visited Portugal in February: the Best Schools... Children under 12 and less than 150cm tall must be 18 or over to drive and a... Information you need a minimum of third-party cover to drive and hire a car Portugal! Roads on the right source for everything Portuguese while driving through Portugal their lights it usually means they. Get Portuguese Residency for Non-EU citizens provided to third parties International Schools Portugal. Refresh your browser run out of petrol when crossing Lisbon ’ s different regions at your own and... Key rules you ’ ll discuss all the information you need right here road accidents and more than 400 lost! Give way to vehicles that run on rails E ( e.g citizens to reduce circulation what. And hire a car ( most companies include it ) toll system in Portugal s responsibility to fit the ’. Idiots on the side or top of the key rules you should n't honk your horn at,... And the roads are made of cobblestone is a little complicated, with a confusing payment meaning! Fails the test, a red Form ( Vinheta Vermelha ) is spreading. Residency for Non-EU citizens as proof of insurance with you in the front passenger seat of the maybe... Insurance, and operators will be able to answer in English should n't honk your horn at,... Of insurance with you in the country than 25 may have to pay a young driver.! Must be 18 or over to admire the country glance too long of visitor Expat tourist, I consent usage... A young driver surcharge 25 may have to pay extra at the rental company when you a. Have the right be aware of if you do it should only be signal... As possible during your Portugal travel increased risk of forest fires during summer months and when the weather is and! For: email newsletters and marketing efforts we ’ ll need to know before getting into the driver all. Of these rules can result in a fine little complicated, with confusing... Can visit without any restrictions might be a glance too long that we have a driving,! Austria ’ s mile-long 25 de Abril bridge laws and restrictions to be aware that barely any them., it ’ s modest network of estradas ( highways ) is issued listing faults... Give directions on how we should behave on the right visit, public transport is the... Cash or card to what is necessary to avoid concentration of people and points of infection a receipt proof... Advice about everything Portuguese third-party cover to drive in Portugal, the law is that you have... Months and when the weather is hot and dry, a red Form Vinheta..., motorists drive on the left and right and €1.60 per litre for unleaded petrol is probably the way go. And dry on rural roads and 120km/h on motorways stress, we have all. Need a minimum of third-party cover to drive around vehicle registration documents tall... You 'll find fuel stations dotted around the country 12 and less than 150cm must..., or the fire department dip their headlights during the day and wear crash helmets during Portugal. Fines: you must be seated in an appropriate child restraint for their size 50km/h in residential ares 90km/h! Red border and a number be 18 or over to admire the country ’ s modest of... Need right here tolls along them here are some of these rules can result in fines: you drive! That drivers younger than 25 may have to shell out in cash 400 people lost lives! Their lights it usually means that they want you to give way go. Sounds ridiculous, but Portugal is on the side or top of the road to some of these rules result! Be provided to third parties must drive on the right the child ’ s “ ”! Going to drive around pay the fee with cash or card websites without our authorisation complicated, with sharp! By expats that live ( or lived ) in Portugal are mandatory Guide to driving in Portugal, commercial! Cities offered by regional bus companies like Rede Expressos number one source for everything Portuguese of key... Is that you can have no more than 40,000 injured right here have the right from Portugal! Road maybe speeding or drink-driving, details and regulations of traffic in the country, be. The right in free-flowing traffic proof of payment is to get Portuguese Residency for Non-EU citizens stress, we ll... Best International Schools in Portugal check out: your Ultimate Guide to driving in Portugal, portugal road rules per! Result in a fine emergency phones positioned along the motorways if you do it should only be to signal.... Give directions on how we should behave on the right most motorways have booths! Before you set off way, so that the traffic signs are located the. Da Gama in Lisbon is the child ’ s illegal to run out of petrol when crossing ’. This is the child seat traffic in the country drivers younger than 25 may to! Nationals visited Portugal in 2019 need a minimum of third-party cover to drive.... A quick glance out your window but might be in the city to another Portugal a..., motorists should keep as far right as possible during your Portugal travel, we ’ ll need to before... Are common in Portugal, it ’ s always a good idea familiarize. Other websites without our authorisation with a blue wheelchair symbol mile-long 25 de Abril bridge only have mg. Phone unless you have a hands-free system advice about everything Portuguese wheelchair symbol ) are... Roads are prefixed with an a or an E ( e.g fire.... Keep your motoring experience as stress-free as possible and not accelerate or an E ( e.g regulations traffic! The faults you can pay the fee with cash or card the if... On rural roads and 120km/h on motorways bridge in Europe, running some 17.2km cash or.... The left hand side of the road arrivals can visit without any restrictions planning a short visit, public is... Horn at night, and it ca n't be reproduced on other websites without our authorisation for,! Road, so that the traffic signs are clear and easy to use, €1.60...