Driving in Portugal
Everything you need to know about driving rules and laws in Portugal
Quick Facts
Topics
Speed Limits
Portugal: Motorways (Autoestradas) 120 km/h, Express roads 100 km/h, National roads 90 km/h, Urban areas 50 km/h. Tolls on most motorways.
Alcohol Limits
Portugal: 0.5 g/L for most drivers. 0.2 g/L for new drivers (< 3 years) and professional drivers. Criminal offense above 1.2 g/L with possible imprisonment.
Driving Age
Portugal: 18 years for cars (Category B), 16 for mopeds (AM). Theory from 17.5 years. New drivers have 2-year probationary period with lower speed limits and stricter alcohol rules.
Turn Rules
Portugal: Priority to traffic from the right at equal intersections. Left turns yield to oncoming traffic. Signal at least 30m before turning. Pedestrians have priority at crossings.
Roundabouts
Portugal: Yield to traffic in roundabout. Drive counter-clockwise. Signal right when exiting. Use outer lane for first exits, inner for later exits.
Parking Rules
In Portugal, paid parking typically costs âŦ0.60-2.00/hour. Lisbon uses EMEL parking with green and yellow zones. Fines range from âŦ30-150. Free parking is available on Sundays and holidays in most cities.
Seatbelt Laws
In Portugal, seatbelts are mandatory for all occupants. Fine ranges from âŦ120-600. Children under 135cm must use child restraints, and under 12 must sit in the rear.
Mobile Phone Laws
Using a handheld phone while driving in Portugal results in âŦ120-600 fine and 2 penalty points. Hands-free devices are allowed but must not require manual operation.
Highway Driving
Portuguese motorways (autoestradas) have a 120 km/h limit. Most have tolls payable via Via Verde (electronic) or at toll booths. Some have electronic-only tolls with no booths.
Emergency Procedures
In Portugal, call 112 for all emergencies. At accidents: reflective vest is mandatory, place warning triangle 30m behind (100m on highway), assist injured, exchange information.
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