On-the-spot fines are common in Portugal, and expect to have to shell out in cash. Traffic Signs in Portugal You sometimes have to pay extra at the rental company when you return the car. Driving gives you the freedom to explore the country’s different regions at your own leisure and pace. Whatever country you're in you should be aware of the rules and regulations of the road, but it is easy to get confused. Speed Limits in Portugal. Drivers must yield to disembarking tram passengers. Rules of the road. If you don’t have a V-Tag, most motorways have toll booths where you can pay the fee with cash or card. Stop and give way to all drivers. Type of visitor 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. If you're having issues using the site, please enable JavaScript and refresh your browser. Warning signs. There are also emergency phones positioned along the motorways if you are unable to use your own. Children under 12 years old aren't allowed to sit in the front passenger seat of the car. There are coach buses running between the big cities offered by regional bus companies like Rede Expressos. There is a general recommendation for citizens to reduce circulation to what is necessary to avoid concentration of people and points of infection. Generally you can pay for your fuel with credit and debit cards, but note that there's often a €0.50 charge to do so. subscribe today and be part of the community. 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. 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. Road rules and driving in Portugal tips. Does it Snow? 1 – Notwithstanding the requirements of paragraph 1 above, drivers must give way to military or militarized columns, as well as police escorts. Most visits are trouble-free. Children under 12 and less than 150cm tall must be seated in an appropriate child restraint for their size. Don’t stress, we have got all the information you need right here. You’ll see some interesting vehicles on the road When in Portugal, drive on the right side of the road. Car towing trailers should not drive above 80km/H. Cars already on the roundabout have the right of way, so wait your turn before you set off. Focus on the road and pull over to admire the country’s gorgeous landscape. If you are going to be driving in just one specific region of Portugal, look out for Turinta … If you see a circular blue sign displaying a number this is the minimum speed you must drive on that particular road. Amazon in Portugal: How Does it Work and What Are Your Options? 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. Here are some laws and restrictions to be aware of: 1. If a driver flashes their lights it usually means that they want you to give way. 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 you are planning to stay long-term or holidaying for a couple of weeks, then having a car in Portugal can be an asset. It’s illegal to use a mobile phone unless you have a hands-free system. The downside is your fellow drivers: the country’s per-capita death rate from road accidents has long been one of Europe’s highest, and drinking, driving and dying are political hot potatoes. As in all countries, there are idiots on the road maybe speeding or drink-driving. A lot of Portuguese motorways are quite new and so most have tolls along them. 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. Please note - It is the child’s parent / guardian or vehicle renter’s responsibility to fit the child seat. If a vehicle fails the test, a Red Form (Vinheta Vermelha) is issued listing the faults. It is compulsory for the driver and all passengers to wear a seatbelt. If you want to learn more about the rules for driving in Portugal, we have an article available which explains everything from general road rules to toll roads. Overall, Portuguese road signs are clear and easy to understand. The only difficulty might be in the city centres where the streets are very narrow and the roads are made of cobblestone. What is Portugal in Winter Really Like? 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%. Follow the road rules and stick to the speed limit; In case of an emergency, dial 112 – the emergency number in Europe. Rules of the Road in Portugal Traffic travels on the right. U.S. citizens traveling directly from the United States to Portugal for non-essential (tourist) travel are currently prohibited from entering Portugal. When driving in Portugal, you'll need to obey the rules of the road, and that includes following traffic signs and parking regulations. Warning for a crossroad with side road on the right. Your email will not be provided to third parties. 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! Using a hands-free device is permitted. Peculiarities of driving in Portugal: rules, details and regulations of traffic in the country. Email newsletters and marketing efforts. However, the main dangers to be aware of include: Night driving While driving in Portugal you must yield to disembarking tram passengers. The traffic signs are located on the side or top of the road. In Portugal, the law is that you can have no more than 50 mg of alcohol in 100 ml of blood. Since then infection rates have climbed. Did we answer all of your queries? 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. Your Ultimate Guide to Driving in Portugal: Rules, Documents and more! 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. Expat The cost of fuel in Portugal tends to fluctuate around €1.40 per litre for diesel, and €1.60 per litre for unleaded petrol. 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; Speed limits are in kilometers per hour. 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. Limits and dangers are also often indicated on the road itself. Main roads are sealed and generally in good condition. Warning for a crossroad with a sharp side road on the left. However, if you’ve made the move to Portugal and want to register for a Portuguese driving licence, you will need to provide the following documents to the Institute for Mobility and Transport “Instituto da Mobilidade e dos Transportes” (IMT) office: If you hold an EU driving license, you will still have to renew it to a Portuguese one within two years of changing your official residency. Before driving in Portugal, it’s always a good idea to familiarize yourself with the rules of the road. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. Priority signs. Public transport in the main cities is also very cheap and easy to use. ; By joining our email list, you give LazyTrips permission to use your email for sending you newsletters, emails and updates including for marketing purposes. Remember to drive on the right in Portugal. While we know most local Portuguese drivers don’t always follow the rules, you definitely should to avoid any run-ins with the authorities. You can’t do anything about this other than keep an eye out. Check out: Your Ultimate Guide to Driving in Portugal. Driving in Portugal is fairly easy. 4. 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 illegal to run out of petrol when crossing Lisbon’s mile-long 25 de Abril bridge. Not sure of the rules of the road? 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. Traffic signs. Portugal’s modest network of estradas (highways) is gradually spreading across the country. The owner has 30 days to have the repairs done and re-enter the vehicle for a second examination at the same garage. The toll system in Portugal is a little complicated, with a confusing payment system meaning there's a higher chance of being fined. The scenery Do you have any experiences to share? All our articles are written by expats that live (or lived) in Portugal. Motorcyclists must dip their headlights during the day and wear crash helmets. The easiest method of payment is to get a V-Tag when you rent a car (most companies include it). LazyTrips is a trading name of Strategy Desk Ltd. 2 – At intersections and junctions drivers must give way to vehicles that run on rails. Our content is DMCA propected, and it can't be reproduced on other websites without our authorisation. This is the best navigation app for any road trip, Germany driving tips: Rules of the road, parking and the all-important etiquette. These roads are prefixed with an A or an E (e.g. Failure to adhere to some of these rules can result in fines: You must drive on the right. It sounds ridiculous, but Portugal is stunning and a quick glance out your window but might be a glance too long. Using a hands-free device is permitted. Portugal in February: The Best Guide for Your February Vacation, How to Get Portuguese Residency for Non-EU Citizens. Despite this, more than 400 people lost their lives in 2017 in road accidents and more than 40,000 injured. You must be 18 or over to drive and hire a car in Portugal. 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. When being overtaken, motorists should keep as far right as possible and not accelerate. Wearing headphones while driving is also illegal. 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. 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. Here are some tips to keep your motoring experience as stress-free as possible during your Portugal travel. Join our mailing list to receive the latest news and updates from our team. 3. Tourist, I consent the usage of my data for: Vasco da Gama in Lisbon is the longest bridge in Europe, running some 17.2km. 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. 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. They give directions on how we should behave on the road, so that the traffic can proceed safely and smoothly. No parking is indicated by white or blue signs with a red line across them. In Portugal, motorists drive on the right and overtake on the left. 3 – Drivers must give way to bicycles … Thinking of planning the ultimate Portugal road trip? Road Rules: Portugal by Campervan | Portugal This post on Portugal campervan hire was sponsored by Portugal by Van , but all opinions are my own! 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. 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. If you are travelling to Portugal there are a few rules you should be aware of if you’re going to drive around. This is quite rare though. 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. We are your number one source for everything Portuguese. When it comes to road safety, Portugal has one of the less impressive records in Europe, however, authorities have been taking steps in an attempt to improve the statistics; with fatalities dropping by 40% since 2010. 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. Overtaking is on the left hand side of the road. Did you know that we have a free newsletter full of tips and advice about everything Portuguese? Prohibitory signs. Learner, novice, and commercial drivers can only have 20 mg which essentially means they shouldn’t drink. Watch out for aggressive drivers while driving through Portugal. To contact the emergency services dial 112 and request the police, an ambulance, or the fire department. A Metro ticket will cost you €1.45 in Lisbon and can get you from one side of the city to another. Here are some of the key rules you’ll need to know before driving in Portugal. There is an increased risk of forest fires during summer months and when the weather is hot and dry. Headlights must always be used when driving through tunnels. 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. For now, much of Europe is on Austria’s “low-risk” list — meaning arrivals can visit without any restrictions. Drivers are required to keep a receipt as proof of payment. Everyone must know the traffic signs! How Coronavirus Could Impact Portugal Golden Visa Rules, Choosing the Best International Schools in Portugal. Wearing headphones whilst driving is forbidden. 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. 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. Feel free to leave us a comment below. For emergency services, dial 112. EU driving licenses are accepted in the country. A Portuguese toll roads is known as a portagem, and most run alongside a free (but slightly shabbier) route that you can take instead if you want to. 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%. This number is the same across continental Europe, and operators will be able to answer in English. Parking spaces reserved for disabled badge holders are clearly marked with a blue wheelchair symbol. Note: fines will only be accepted in Euros. Restaurants and cafes, cultural facilities and monuments are open, 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. You are permitted to pass a stationary tram only if … Around 2.5 million British nationals visited Portugal in 2019. The one downside of this method is that you will be charged for the entire length of the road you travelled on because you won’t have evidence of when you entered the toll road. The V is for “Via Verde” (green way) and it allows you to automatically validate each time you pass through a toll way. Want to learn more about living in Portugal? Road Rules and Petrol Station. However, sometimes, the signs don’t jump out at you, so be sure to stay alert for changing speed zones or other warnings. Warning for a crossroad with a side road on the left. Using your mobile phone whilst driving is illegal and will result in a fine. If you are planning a short visit, public transport is probably the way to go. 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). Warning for a crossroad with a sharp side road on the right. Today, we’ll discuss all the information you need to know before getting into the driver’s seat in Portugal. Absolutely, Yes. Littering whilst driving is punishable by fine. Mandatory road signs in Portugal are used where you are required to carry out a specific task, they are not suggestions, information or advisory signs, they must be adhered to and as such are arguably the most important roads signs in Portugal that you need to … The amount of tax paid is different for vehicles registered before and after July 2007. Other “crazy” drivers 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. Rules of the road in Portugal. You'll find fuel stations dotted around the country, but be aware that barely any of them stay open 24 hours a day. Some roads are not very well lit at night so be extra cautious. National speed limits are - 50km/h in residential ares, 90km/h on rural roads and 120km/h on Motorways. 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. Drivers must have a driving license, insurance, and the vehicle registration documents. Remember to drive on the right in Portugal. Be aware that drivers younger than 25 may have to pay a young driver surcharge. Overtaking and passing. You shouldn't honk your horn at night, and if you do it should only be to signal danger. 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? It's illegal to park closer than five metres from a junction, 25 metres before or five metres after a … 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. The signs can sometimes be red or yellow or there can sometimes be red or yellow lines painted on the kerb. 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