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Portugal Driving Information

Portugal has one of the highest rates of automobile accidents and related fatalities in Europe. Drivers should use extreme caution, as local driving habits, high speeds, and poorly marked roads pose special hazards.

The minimum age at which a UK driving licence holder may drive a car or motorbike in Portugal is 17. All valid UK driving licences should be accepted in Portugal.

If you are stopped by the Police you can be charged an on the spot fine. The police can issue but not collect fines on the spot. An official receipt showing the maximum amount of the fine should be obtained. Foreign motorists refusing to pay an on-the-spot fine will be asked for a deposit to cover the maximum fine for the offence committed. If a motorist refuses to do this, the police can take the driving licence, registration document or failing that they can confiscate the vehicle. Wheel-clamping and towing are in operation for illegally parked vehicles.

Credit cards are accepted at most petrol stations in Portugal but a tax of 0.5 Euros is charged for the use of a card.

Use of dipped headlights is compulsory at all times in tunnels and in bad weather in Portugal. Motorbikes must use dipped headlights at all times and the wearing of crash helmets is compulsory for both driver and passenger. Children under 7 may not ride pillion.

It is compulsory for passengers in cars to wear seatbelts in the front and rear of vehicles in Portugal. Child under 3 years of age may only travel in a vehicle if using a suitable safety chair. If seated in the front seat the airbag must be disabled. Children under 1.5m and over 3 years of age must use a suitable safety chair and be seated in the rear of the vehicle.

It is compulsory in Portugal to carry the following safety equipment within any vehicle. Photographic id, Warning triangle and Reflective Jacket. The wearing of reflective jacket/tabbard is recommended for the driver and/or passenger(s) who exits an immobilised vehicle on all motorways and main or busy roads. We recommend the jacket be carried in the passenger compartment of the vehicle within arms reach. Winter or studded tyres are prohibited and in winter conditions snow chains can be used. It is recommended that drivers carry a spare parts kit which includes replacement bulbs.

Any instruments that interfere with Police operations including radar detector are banned in Portugal

If the level of alcohol in the bloodstream is 0.05 per cent to 0.08 per cent, then a fine will be imposed and you face the withdrawal of your driving licence for a minimum of one month and up to a maximum of one year. If the driver has more than 0.08 per cent, you face a fine and the withdrawal of your driving licence for a minimum of two months and up to a maximum of two years. The police are also empowered to carry out testing on drivers for narcotics.

Wheel-clamping and towing are in operation for illegally parked vehicles.

In built up areas in Portugal the use of the horn is prohibited during the hours of darkness except in the case of immediate danger. At night the use of full beam, in built up areas, is prohibited.

The team at European Breakdown Cover hope that this information has been useful and wish you "a Viagem Segura" on your next trip to Portugal.

For General European driving tips click here
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