Driving in Portugal
Before driving through Portugal, it is a good idea to be familiar with the rules and regulations of the country. The minimum age for driving is 17 years. Children under 12 years of age are not allowed to sit in the front and must be seated at the rear with a seatbelt. Seatbelts are mandatory for all passengers. The amount of alcohol allowed in the blood while driving is 50mg.
Speed limits are about 50 kph in built-up areas, 100 kph in outside built-up areas and about 120 kph on expressways. The minimum speed limit on expressways is 40 kph. Foreigners who have held a license for less than a year must follow certain rules. They must obtain a yellow sticker from the ACP motoring club with the number 90 on it. This indicates that they are allowed a maximum speed limit of 90 kph.
The roads are quite wide in Portugal, at least about three lanes. The middle lane allows cars to pass in either direction. The horn is meant to be used only in times of extreme danger. There are several tramways in Portugal. Therefore if a tram stops and there is no way a passenger can get to the sidewalk, the driver must make way for disembarking passengers.
You are not allowed to park your car facing oncoming traffic. Parking laws are strict and if violated, vehicles can be immobilized. The police have the authority to collect fines on the spot.
The license might be a slight problem in Portugal as an old style green on non-European license has to be accompanied with an International Driver’s Permit. An EC format pink/green license is also accepted.
There are several toll roads in Portugal such as the A1 Lisboa to Santarem, the A1 Santarem to Fatima, the A1 Fatima to Coimbra etc. A toll is taken from vehicles traveling towards the south crossing the 25 de Abril Bridge. This bridge connects Lisbon with the southern bank of the Tagus River.
Gas Stations are usually open between 7am and 10pm or midnight. Unless otherwise indicated, they are usually open 24hrs. Major credit cards are accepted, however, a fee is charged for using it.
Watch out for aggressive drivers while driving through Portugal. The drivers are reckless and this makes Portugal one of the most dangerous roads in Europe. The police have the authority to accept on the spot fines using either cash or credit cards.
There are other requirements for driving in Portugal. All cars must carry a legal reflector vest and an authorized warning triangle. Headlights must be dimly lit while traveling. The use of mobile phones is banned and if caught you will be heavily fined. The roads of Portugal are extremely clean because of the strict anti-litter laws imposed. Fines for littering can go up to €300.
Additional Information
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