Tips for driving in Portugal

The basics: Drive on the right-hand side of the road. Know the speed limits and the documentation (acceptable driving licence, vehicle insurance) and safety equipment you must have in your vehicle.

Drinking and driving: Alcohol limits are low - one large beer or glass of wine can put you over the limit. Drunk driving penalties are severe.

Accidents: Know what to do if you are involved in an accident in Portugal. You are most likely to have an accident at or near a roundabout or pedestrian crossing.

Portuguese Police who enforce traffic regulations are generally well-trained and usually speak good English. Policing is strict but fair.

Standard of driving: In Portugal is below the EU average. Careless drivers do not keep a safe following distance behind the vehicle in front of them. So if you brake quite hard, the vehicle behind you does not have time to stop and crashes into the back of you. Solution: you should brake and accelerate gently.

Portugal Driving Laws (road traffic code)

Please select driving issues that interest you using our top menu. These cover the most important traffic rules and driver advice we can give you. We base this on a recent professional translation of the original Portuguese law, not on what other people incorrectly say on out-of-date web sites.

We welcome any comments and suggestions. Please contact us. Drive safely in Portugal and enjoy your time in this really nice country.