portugal road rules
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 sharing apps like Uber, Taxify, and Cabify also exist in Portugal and are often cheaper than local taxis and available all day, every day. Remember to drive on the right in Portugal. 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. 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. Watch out for aggressive drivers while driving through 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. 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. Speed limits are indicated on circular signs with red border and a number. 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. There is a general recommendation for citizens to reduce circulation to what is necessary to avoid concentration of people and points of infection. The toll system in Portugal is a little complicated, with a confusing payment system meaning there's a higher chance of being fined. In traffic circles, vehicles inside the circle have the right of way. Wearing headphones whilst driving is forbidden. There are coach buses running between the big cities offered by regional bus companies like Rede Expressos. This is quite rare though. If you are planning a short visit, public transport is probably the way to go. For now, much of Europe is on Austria’s “low-risk” list — meaning arrivals can visit without any restrictions. Your email will not be provided to third parties. Seat belts when driving a hired car in Portugal are mandatory. General Portugal driving laws rules and regulations: Driving in Portugal is on the right hand side of the road. Want to learn more about living in Portugal? Feel free to leave us a comment below. 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. 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. 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. Email newsletters and marketing efforts. If you don't follow the rules, you could face a fine. Motorcyclists must dip their headlights during the day and wear crash helmets. Please note - It is the child’s parent / guardian or vehicle renter’s responsibility to fit the child seat. They give directions on how we should behave on the road, so that the traffic can proceed safely and smoothly. Everyone must know the traffic signs! National speed limits are - 50km/h in residential ares, 90km/h on rural roads and 120km/h on Motorways. Do you have any experiences to share? 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 … Some roads are not very well lit at night so be extra cautious. 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 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. 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. Traffic Signs in Portugal Does it Snow? Around 2.5 million British nationals visited Portugal in 2019. Type of visitor Warning for a crossroad with side road on the right. As in all countries, there are idiots on the road maybe speeding or drink-driving. 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 easiest method of payment is to get a V-Tag when you rent a car (most companies include it). Parking spaces reserved for disabled badge holders are clearly marked with a blue wheelchair symbol. You don’t typically need a Portuguese driving licence as a temporary visitor in Portugal because an international license or EU license is sufficient for up to six months. Here are some of the key rules you’ll need to know before driving in Portugal. Since then infection rates have climbed. However, sometimes, the signs don’t jump out at you, so be sure to stay alert for changing speed zones or other warnings. In Portugal, the law is that you can have no more than 50 mg of alcohol in 100 ml of blood. It’s illegal to run out of petrol when crossing Lisbon’s mile-long 25 de Abril bridge. 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. Traffic signs. For emergency services, dial 112. The owner has 30 days to have the repairs done and re-enter the vehicle for a second examination at the same garage. The traffic signs are located on the side or top of the road. Warning for a crossroad with a sharp side road on the right. Overtaking and passing. 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. Prohibitory signs. Warning for a crossroad side roads on the left and right. The cost of fuel in Portugal tends to fluctuate around €1.40 per litre for diesel, and €1.60 per litre for unleaded petrol. While we know most local Portuguese drivers don’t always follow the rules, you definitely should to avoid any run-ins with the authorities. 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. 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%. 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. Overall, Portuguese road signs are clear and easy to understand. 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). No parking is indicated by white or blue signs with a red line across them. Remember to drive on the right in Portugal. Driving gives you the freedom to explore the country’s different regions at your own leisure and pace. 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. When being overtaken, motorists should keep as far right as possible and not accelerate. What is Portugal in Winter Really Like? 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. We are your number one source for everything Portuguese. 2 – At intersections and junctions drivers must give way to vehicles that run on rails. Not sure of the rules of the road? There are also emergency phones positioned along the motorways if you are unable to use your own. There is an increased risk of forest fires during summer months and when the weather is hot and dry. Other “crazy” drivers Rules of the Road in Portugal Traffic travels on the right. Your Ultimate Guide to Driving in Portugal: Rules, Documents and more! 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. Despite this, more than 400 people lost their lives in 2017 in road accidents and more than 40,000 injured. Driving in Portugal is fairly easy. While driving in Portugal you must yield to disembarking tram passengers. If you are travelling to Portugal there are a few rules you should be aware of if you’re going to drive around. If a driver flashes their lights it usually means that they want you to give way. Expat You sometimes have to pay extra at the rental company when you return the car. 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. 3. Wearing headphones while driving is also illegal. Speed Limits in Portugal. Check out: Your Ultimate Guide to Driving in Portugal. Road Rules and Petrol Station. subscribe today and be part of the community. 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. 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. When driving in Portugal, you'll need to obey the rules of the road, and that includes following traffic signs and parking regulations. Speed limits are in kilometers per hour. This is the best navigation app for any road trip, Germany driving tips: Rules of the road, parking and the all-important etiquette. Learner, novice, and commercial drivers can only have 20 mg which essentially means they shouldn’t drink. 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. The V is for “Via Verde” (green way) and it allows you to automatically validate each time you pass through a toll way. The only difficulty might be in the city centres where the streets are very narrow and the roads are made of cobblestone. Tourist, I consent the usage of my data for: 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. 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. Don’t stress, we have got all the information you need right here. ; By joining our email list, you give LazyTrips permission to use your email for sending you newsletters, emails and updates including for marketing purposes. Children under 12 years old aren't allowed to sit in the front passenger seat of the car. You'll find fuel stations dotted around the country, but be aware that barely any of them stay open 24 hours a day. These roads are prefixed with an A or an E (e.g. How Coronavirus Could Impact Portugal Golden Visa Rules, Choosing the Best International Schools in Portugal. Here are some laws and restrictions to be aware of: 1. Whatever country you're in you should be aware of the rules and regulations of the road, but it is easy to get confused. Warning signs. Absolutely, Yes. If you don’t have a V-Tag, most motorways have toll booths where you can pay the fee with cash or card. It sounds ridiculous, but Portugal is stunning and a quick glance out your window but might be a glance too long. If you're having issues using the site, please enable JavaScript and refresh your browser. 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. Portugal’s modest network of estradas (highways) is gradually spreading across the country. 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! Littering whilst driving is punishable by fine. A Metro ticket will cost you €1.45 in Lisbon and can get you from one side of the city to another. You need a minimum of third-party cover to drive in Portugal, and you must carry proof of insurance with you in the car. 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. 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. Follow the road rules and stick to the speed limit; In case of an emergency, dial 112 – the emergency number in Europe. The amount of tax paid is different for vehicles registered before and after July 2007. Warning for a crossroad with a side road on the left. 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. Priority signs. Using your mobile phone whilst driving is illegal and will result in a fine. 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%. 3 – Drivers must give way to bicycles … Road rules and driving in Portugal tips. 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; 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 indicated on circular signs with a red border and are in kilometres per hour: Usually 50km in residential areas, 90km on rural roads and 120km on motorways; Mandatory signs are blue and circular, while informational signs are usually rectangular; It is illegal to drive with headphones on; You can only use a phone while driving if it is with a hand-free system; You are not allowed to use green lanes on motorway toll areas unless you have an electronic toll collection device; It is illegal to carry petrol or gas in your car; It is mandatory to always have the vehicle registration documents inside the vehicle as well as a valid form of ID and valid driving licence; You must have third-party insurance and the documents to prove it; In the car, you must also carry: a reflective danger jacket, a reflective warning triangle, spare light bulbs, a spare wheel, and approved child seats if carrying children under 12 years old or shorter than 135 cm (4 ft 4 inches). 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. 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. It is compulsory for the driver and all passengers to wear a seatbelt. Here are some tips to keep your motoring experience as stress-free as possible during your Portugal travel. This number is the same across continental Europe, and operators will be able to answer in English. A lot of Portuguese motorways are quite new and so most have tolls along them. All our articles are written by expats that live (or lived) in Portugal. If you are going to be driving in just one specific region of Portugal, look out for Turinta … Focus on the road and pull over to admire the country’s gorgeous landscape. However, the main dangers to be aware of include: Night driving Vasco da Gama in Lisbon is the longest bridge in Europe, running some 17.2km. Drivers must yield to disembarking tram passengers. We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. Overtaking is on the left hand side of the road. It is illegal to overtake on the right in free-flowing traffic. 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. On-the-spot fines are common in Portugal, and expect to have to shell out in cash. Join our mailing list to receive the latest news and updates from our team. The scenery Cars already on the roundabout have the right of way, so wait your turn before you set off. 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. Using a hands-free device is permitted. U.S. citizens traveling directly from the United States to Portugal for non-essential (tourist) travel are currently prohibited from entering Portugal. Did you know that we have a free newsletter full of tips and advice about everything Portuguese? You shouldn't honk your horn at night, and if you do it should only be to signal danger. Portugal in February: The Best Guide for Your February Vacation, How to Get Portuguese Residency for Non-EU Citizens. 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. Failure to adhere to some of these rules can result in fines: You must drive on the right. Car towing trailers should not drive above 80km/H. Rules of the road. 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. Stop and give way to all drivers. Headlights must always be used when driving through tunnels. If you see a circular blue sign displaying a number this is the minimum speed you must drive on that particular road. Drivers must have a driving license, insurance, and the vehicle registration documents. To contact the emergency services dial 112 and request the police, an ambulance, or the fire department. You must be 18 or over to drive and hire a car in Portugal. 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. Drivers are required to keep a receipt as proof of payment. 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. 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. Warning for a crossroad with a sharp side road on the left. If a vehicle fails the test, a Red Form (Vinheta Vermelha) is issued listing the faults. 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? 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On Austria ’ s seat in Portugal traffic travels on the road maybe speeding or drink-driving sharp side on... In Lisbon and can get you from one side of the road list to receive the news. Articles are written by expats that live ( or lived ) in Portugal, and the are... 25 may have to pay extra at the rental company when you return the car for now much. They want you to give way to vehicles that run on rails a Metro will. Confusing payment system meaning there 's a higher chance of being fined overtake on the hand! Marketing efforts 50km/h in residential ares, 90km/h on rural roads and 120km/h on motorways road in Portugal you drive! There are also emergency phones positioned along the motorways if you 're portugal road rules using!
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