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Information and advice on Portugal drivingIf you read anything about Portugal driving, you’ll undoubtedly be aware of Portugal’s reputation as having the highest accident rates in Europe. You might get the impression that it death and destruction on the roads, but it really isn’t the case. Yes, the Portuguese sometimes overtake in dangerous places, and yes, the roads are not the best quality, and yes you’ll come across slow moving tractors where you least expect to (and sometimes a horse and cart), and yes, the road signs could be better, but if you keep your wits about you and have a bit of patience, you shouldn’t have too many problems driving in Portugal.
If you are intending driving during your Algarve holiday, then it’s worth having enough information to keep you safe, and within the law. This will also help protect your wealth, as driving violations can be enforced with some significant on-the-spot fines (or even prison if you’re really naughty!). If you can’t pay at the time, your car can be confiscated until you have paid.
So here goes…
Portugal driving requirementsThere are a few things you need to know before you can enjoy driving in Portugal.
Minimum driving age in Portugal - in order to drive in Portugal you’ll have to be at least 17 years of age, although car hire companies may have additional restrictions.
Insurance- 3rd party insurance is mandatory, and documentation should be carried at all times. Failure to have insurance could incur an on the spot fine of a few thousand Euros.
Driving licenseif you’re using your own car, or hiring a car for your holiday, you won’t need a Portuguese driving license. Your national driving license will suffice, as long as it uses the standard Roman alphabet. You’ll need to keep this with you at all times.
You will also need to carry your car’s log book or Hire company’s rental agreement and if you have your own car, you’re MOT certificate. Additionally, you’ll have to carry a red warning triangle and a yellow reflector jacket in the car at all times in case of an accident or emergency; failure to do so will result in a fine.
If you are using your own car, then you are allowed do so for up to 180 days in a single year, as long as it for your own use only.
Once you’re finally on the road, don’t forget to drive on the right hand side. Not a problem for visitors from most countries, but the Algarve has a lot of visitors from the UK. So this means that you overtake on the left. Some roads have 3 lanes, the central lane being for overtaking (from either direction), so pay attention.
Everyone in the car must wear a seatbelt, whether in the front or the back, and children under 12 years old are not allowed to travel in the front of the car.
Portugal driving – informationThe following speed limits in Portugal apply, and the increasing use of radar means that these are enforced.Motorways - 120 kph or 74mph Open roads - 90 kph or 55mph Urban areas - 50 kph or 31mph
Many Petrol/Fuel Stations are open 24hours (although not always, with some closing for lunch for up to 3 hours). They usually accept major credit cards. Most are self-service, but if not, you’ll have to ask for gasolina sem chumbo if you want unleaded. Diesel is either diesel or Gasóleo. LPG fuel is available but not widely.
Portugal Driving & DrinkingApart from the obvious dangers of drinking and driving, you are more likely to get in trouble in Portugal than the UK as the limits of alcohol in the blood allowed are almost half here, at 0.005mg. Fines are hefty and you could end up paying a couple of thousand Euros if caught, and in serious cases a prison sentence could result. Best to avoid drinking at all if you’re driving. If you fancy a drink, then taxis are cheap way of getting around.
ParkingFinally, as if there wasn’t enough to know about driving, here are some tips on trouble-free parking. When parking, your car must be facing the same direction as the traffic, unless the road only allows parking on one side of it. Always obey ‘No Parking’ signs and check the parking time limit. During the day in towns, often there is a limit of 90 minutes. Parking offences can incur an on the spot fine or even clamping in the towns.
Hopefully you have information to get you on the road. Have a safe and enjoyable time in Portugal driving.
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