Portuguese drivers are known to be impatient and not overly fond of using turn signals. If you are only used to automatic, make sure you request one when making your reservation. They are also often written in white on the road itself. The style of driving in Portugal, however, is sometimes aggressive or erratic. Driving England to Portugal by car is a mission indeed but it can also be broken up and turned into an extended adventure. Cars driving on a roundabout have the right of way, and on crossings without stop signs or traffic lights, vehicles from the right have preference. As impatient as drivers may be on motorways and two-lane roads, they seem to have all the time in the world in the country. Rental car firms are ample in Portugal. Click below to consent to the use of this technology on our website – and don’t worry, we respect your privacy. Bear in mind that many vehicles in Portugal, even brand-new models, are stick-shift. The alcohol limit is 0.5 grams of alcohol for 1 liter of blood. 2. Importing your car to Portugal can be a time-consuming and expensive process, with several different elements to factor in. Portuguese police often carry portable credit card machines, so the fine is paid on the spot and your trip definitely ruined. Driving in Portugal is fairly easy. Don’t be surprised to be blocked by a car parked in the middle of the road while the driver has a conversation with a pedestrian. Haven driven right across Europe, I can say that driving in Portugal is probably the easiest of all European countries. This is perfectly exemplified by the sprite centurion ta… You can find out how much Portuguese road taxes you’ll need to pay here. 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. In Portugal, it’s important to note that speed limit signs are perceived as geometric art. The most important point is of course to have the correct driving license. Children under 12 aren’t allowed to sit in the front unless they’re over 150cm tall. Speed limits are indicated on round white road signs with a red rim and the number in black in the center. Licences issued in EU member states are valid for driving in Portugal until they expire. If you’re driving a foreign vehicle, you can either pay at the tolls using Via Verde, TOLLCard, TOLLService or EASYToll. If you’re involved in an accident, you’ll need to provide a claims form to your insurance company with seven days. On narrow, steep, and tight mountain roads which turn into one lane, down coming traffic always has the right-of-way. Driving in Portugal. Driving in Portugal, some other British drivers will tell you, is not for the faint of heart. Talking about pedestrians: Except in the cities, there aren’t many sidewalks, so people walk in the street. If your car was registered before 2007, how much tax you pay will depend on the age of the vehicle and its capacity. Headlights must always be used in tunnels. Using your mobile phone whilst driving is illegal and will result in a fine. Tourists and short-term visitors can drive in Portugal for up to six months using their foreign license. 14 comments on “Driving in the Algarve, Portugal” John — December 24, 2019 @ 1:23 pm Reply Hi it was a great blog full of good information regarding Algarve region. You should always park in the same direction as traffic on a one-way street. Americans and nationals of other European Union countries are allowed to drive in Portugal with their local driving license. The drunk driving limit is 0.49g/L. In the country, you may also encounter sheep or cows. Certain permanent residents can use their foreign license until it expires. Which cookies and scripts are used and how they impact your visit is specified on the left. Additionally, headphones and mobile phones are banned, unless used in hands-free mode. To drive a car in Portugal, your own or a rental, you must be over 18 years of age. The make, model, power and age of the vehicle you’re driving also play a role. For non-EU citizens, whether you’ll be able to exchange your license or need to apply for a new one depends on whether your home country has a reciprocal agreement with Portugal. When using Portuguese tolls, you’ll usually take a ticket from a machine when you enter the road and then hand it in and pay a charge at the toll booth (Portagen) when you leave. my wife and me will be arriving in Lisbon Jan 21 for 10 days of independent travel before heading to Cadiz hopefully.Planning on heading to the Algarve region, have visited cities north of Alentejo. Green lanes on motorways are reserved for drivers using the automated payment systems. Driving in Portugal with US license is possible as long as you have an international driver’s license or permit. Most insurers provide an around-the-clock phone number you can call immediately after an accident, and should be able to give specific advice based on your circumstances. You cannot park within 5m of a junction, 25m before or 5m after a bus stop, or within 6m of a tram stop. Purchasing a toll tag in advance through your rental company will allow you to whiz through the toll stations. This guide gives you all the information you need about license requirements, rules of the road, how to hire a car, driving in the countryside, idiosyncrasies of Portuguese drivers, and where to get assistance in case of break down or accident. Otherwise, you’ll be driving illegally in Portugal. Check them out before making your choice. The vehicle must be properly insured and taxed. The legal driving age is 18 is the legal driving age but to hire a car, the minimum age is 23 or 25 depending on the hire company. Get comprehensive insurance, not just third-party, in case you scratch the car parking in a tight spot. Wearing headphones while driving is also illegal. Failure to adhere to some of these rules can result in fines: Speeding fines are charged on a sliding scale depending on how far above the limit you were driving. Drunk driving in Portugal. Using a hands-free device is permitted. TOLLService works slightly differently. To hire car you must be over 21. Here is a list of the documents you have to carry with you before you can drive off: These are the emergency and safety items you are required by Portuguese law to carry in your car: In Portugal, you drive on the right and overtake on the left. Cars parked outside a hotel in Tavira, Algarve, Portugal. Requirements vary though, so some may request the driver to hold a license for five years. No-claims bonuses (Premio Bonus Malus) exist in Portugal and offer favorable rates for drivers who haven’t been involved in any accidents since their policy started. In case of an accident, call 112 and do not leave the scene until the Police arrive. 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. NOTE: These settings will only apply to the browser and device you are currently using. Honk before driving around a bend, so the oncoming traffic knows you are approaching. It’s not worth the risk. If you don’t bring your own car, which is unlikely for Americans, you will want to hire a car for your road trips. Although Portugal does not require that foreign drivers carry this permit, if you are driving to a neighboring country, such as Spain, it could be a requirement. valid UK driving licence. For expats moving to Portugal, you must get a Portuguese driving license within 60 days after registering your residency in Portugal. There are options for languages. Road rules and tips for driving in Portugal. Private companies manage Portugal toll roads, so systems and fees vary. Map out your trip in advance, and you’ll know where you are going. And as such, I suggest you don your rally gear because you’re in for an extremely fast ride! If you don’t and get caught, you risk a fine of up to 2,500 euros. There are several motorways in Portugal which will take you fast from North to South and East to West before you venture further into the countryside. To hire car you must be over 21. Imposto Unico de Circulacao is the Portuguese name for the road tax. The best way to avoid trouble is to designate a non-drinking driver for the day. Remembering these documents should now be easier than it once was, with your car registration documents, license place certificate and the logbook now replaced by the DUA All-in-One Vehicle Document (. How much you’ll need to pay for car insurance depends on your age and driving history. You can find out more about exchanging your license for a Portuguese one in Expatica’s guide to Portuguese driving licenses. Driving age in Portugal is 18 years old; Driving is on the right side with the wheel on the left side of the vehicle; Alcohol limit - legal limit is 50 mg of alcohol in 100 ml of blood; Use of cell phone - you can use only with hand-free system; Headphones are illegal; Seatbelts are compulsory for driver and passengers If your license doesn’t have an expiry date, you’ll need to exchange it within two years of moving to Portugal. Expatica uses technology such as cookies and scripts to personalize content and ads, provide social media features, and analyze our traffic. 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