- Speed limits in Portugal
- Traffic laws and rules in Portugal
- Good to know when driving in Portugal
- SIXT car rental in Portugal
Driving in Portugal is a great way to explore the country’s stunning landscapes and charming villages. Renting a car in Portugal offers the flexibility needed to reach destinations not served by public transport. Driving in Portugal presents a unique blend of coastal roads, quaint villages, and modern highways. But with different road rules and driving culture, being well prepared is essential for a smooth trip. This guide will provide plenty of tips to help you navigate Portugal’s roads, from the northern wine country to the southern beaches of Algarve and the Atlantic coast.
Speed limits in Portugal
Like most countries in Europe, Portugal uses the metric system. You’ll need to get familiar with this system, as all road signs, including speed limits and distances, are indicated in kilometers (km), not miles (mi). Similarly, speed limits are shown in kilometers per hour (km/h), not miles per hour (mph). Speed limits in Portugal are dependent on the type of road and its location, and the speed limits are as follows:
- Residential roads: 30 km/h (18 mph)
- Urban areas: 30 km/h – 50 km/h (18 – 30 mph)
- Outside urban areas: 90 km/h – 100 km/h (55 – 62 mph)
- Motorways: 100 km/h – 120 km/h (62 – 75 mph)
Always be on the lookout for speed limit signs, especially when crossing through smaller towns, as limits can drop suddenly. Speed limits are usually indicated on round white road signs with a red rim and the number written in black. Speed cameras are also a common feature on Portugal’s roads, and the fines for speeding can be hefty.
Traffic laws and rules in Portugal
General & Safety
- Overtaking: Driving in Portugal is on the right, and overtaking is from the left. You’re not allowed to overtake from the right on a straight road. Always use your car indicators when overtaking.
- Roundabouts: Roundabouts are common in Portugal, and cars already in the roundabout have the right of way. Approach roundabouts cautiously and always keep an eye on the vehicles before making any decisions.
- Pedestrian crossings: Most pedestrian crossings in Portugal are right by the roundabout. This isn’t a problem when joining a roundabout, but it becomes a challenge when exiting, and it’s something to watch out for when you’re leaving a roundabout.
- Intersections: There are controlled and uncontrolled intersections in Portugal. At uncontrolled intersections (those without traffic lights or stop signs), vehicles approaching from the right have priority. You must yield to them.
- No right turns on red: In Portugal, a red light always means stop when you come across a controlled intersection (those with traffic lights). No right turns are permitted unless there’s a road sign allowing it or a separate traffic light with a green flashing light.
- Crossing solid white lines and double lines: Crossing a solid white line or a double line is illegal. If you must make a left turn, instead of doing it directly, you must take the next right available, loop around, and return in the opposite direction until you reach the left exit you originally wanted.
- Seatbelts: Seatbelts are mandatory for every passenger in the vehicle as long as the vehicle is in operation.
- Car seats: Children under the age of 12 cannot travel in the front row. Additionally, if they measure less than 135 cm (4 feet 5 inches) in height, they must travel in a child safety seat appropriate for their height and weight. Infants below 18 months should be secured in rear-facing car seats.
- Phone use: Using mobile phones while driving is forbidden unless you’re using a hands-free device. Moreover, you’re not allowed to use headphones while behind the wheel. If you need to make a call or confirm directions, pull over to a safe spot before using your phone.
- Use of headlights: In Portugal, you must turn on your headlights during low visibility conditions such as rain and fog. You might notice some drivers using their headlights on the motorway for extra visibility, but this isn’t required unless visibility is poor.
- Low-emission zones: Portugal has low-emission zones in many cities, and these areas are restricted to eco-friendly vehicles only. Renting an electric vehicle (EV) or hybrid in Portugal provides access to most places. EVs also benefit from free parking in some parts of the country.
- Pedestrians: Watch out for pedestrians on the street. Many streets in Portugal have no sidewalks, and it’s not uncommon to see pedestrians on the road. Always be cautious and slow down when you encounter pedestrians on the road.
Road conditions and driving culture in Portugal
Toll roads
Portugal has an extensive network of motorways (autoestradas), most of which are toll roads. Most of these roads are well maintained and in excellent condition. You have two options for paying tolls: electronic toll devices (Via Verde) or toll booths. All rental cars in Portugal are equipped with electronic toll devices, and the toll fees are charged to your credit card. In toll booths, you can pay for your toll using cash or a credit card.
Rural roads
The motorways in Portugal are modern and provide excellent visibility. However, this isn’t the case on rural roads, which are narrow and winding. The breathtaking Douro Valley is a popular destination for its terraced vineyards, historic estates, and stunning river views. However, it’s one of the most challenging roads to drive on, thanks to its many curves. Drive slowly in these areas, and always use your horn whenever required for road safety, especially in areas where visibility is compromised. Driving in small towns can also be challenging, as most roads in these towns and villages can be tight, requiring extra caution to avoid accidents.
Fuel availability
Portugal has a great network of service stations. Most service stations are open long into the night (24/7 operation in most major cities). Unleaded gasoline (gasolina) and diesel (gasóleo) are widely available, and you’ll also find public electric charging points in most major towns. Most service stations will accept cash and credit card payments, but having some cash with you is always prudent, especially when exploring rural towns.
Parking in Portugal
Parking in Portugal is available, and it’s in the form of on-street metered parking and underground car parks. Blue zone parking is present in most cities, which can be identified by a large blue and white “P” sign. Once you park in the blue zone, you must find the nearest parking meter and pay for your parking for however long you will be parked. Failure to pay for parking may result in your car getting a ticket or being towed.
The other parking option is underground car parks. These, too, are charged, and you can obtain a ticket upon entering the parking garage and pay for parking as you exit, depending on how long you were parked. Something cool about Portugal is that electric vehicles (EVs) are exempt from parking charges in some areas, which is a good reason to get an electric rental car in Portugal.
There are also areas where parking is prohibited. These are the “no parking zones,” which can be identified by a blue circle with a red border and a red diagonal line across it (the no parking sign) or by yellow or red markings painted on the curb (indicating no parking zones).
Good to know when driving in Portugal
- To legally drive in Portugal, you must have with you a valid driver’s license or an international driving permit (IDP) and a passport (non-EU citizens) or a national identity card (EU citizens).
- In case of an emergency, dial 112 for emergency services. This number will connect you to the police, fire department, and emergency medical services.
- Remain cautious when traveling through rural areas, as you may encounter livestock on the road. Always remain vigilant, especially when maneuvering through tight bends.
- Narrow, steep mountain roads usually turn into single-lane roads, and vehicles coming down from the mountain have the right of way. Ensure you use your horn on these mountain roads to alert oncoming traffic of your presence, especially when driving around a bend.
- Be prepared, as in Portugal, motorway slipways are short, and if there’s a lot of traffic, you might need to stop your car to join the motorway. These slip roads also often cross over, so you shouldn’t be surprised to find the motorway entrance and exit right next to each other.
- Driving in big cities, such as Lisbon and Porto, can be challenging. The streets in these cities are narrow and steep, and you’ll often be sharing the road with pedestrians, trams, buses, and other cars.
- In Portugal, it’s illegal to cross the road to park. If you spot a good parking space on the opposite side, you must find the next roundabout or a legal turning point to cross over and park. Your car must also be facing the direction of travel.
SIXT car rental in Portugal
SIXT car rentals in Portugal offer a premium experience tailored to your needs. Pick up your rental car as soon as you arrive, with branches conveniently located at Lisbon Airport (LIS), Porto Airport (OPO), and Faro Airport (FAO). Our broad fleet includes everything from compact cars and premium sedans to family minivans and full-size SUVs. Our chic, bright orange locations are easy to spot, and we’re happy to assist you in your language. Whether you need a one-day, weekend, or long-term rental, SIXT is here to help. You’re welcome to customize your experience with extras like GPS, child seats, and one-way rentals. You’ll find us in all major Portuguese cities, including Lisbon, Faro, Porto, and Braga.
