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One essential aspect of settling into your new Portuguese life is understanding the ins and outs of driving in this charming country.
Whether you’re planning to explore Lisbon’s historic streets, meander through Porto’s picturesque neighborhoods, or embark on scenic road trips through the Douro Valley or the Alentejo plains, a solid grasp of Portugal’s driving documents, rules, and regulations is paramount.
In this comprehensive guide, we will navigate the road ahead together, providing you with the essential knowledge and insights to ensure a smooth transition into Portugal’s driving culture.
Basic Traffic Rules in Portugal
Drive on the Right: Like most European countries, Portugal drives on the right side of the road.
Seat Belts: Seat belts are mandatory for all passengers in the vehicle. Failure to wear seat belts can result in fines.
Child Safety: Children under 12 years old and shorter than 1.35 meters must use appropriate child safety seats. Children under 3 years old are not allows to sit in the front seat of a vehicle with an active airbag.
Speed Limits: Speed limits are clearly marks, but some common limits include 50 km/h in urban areas, 90 km/h on rural roads, and 120 km/h on highways. Be attentive to posted speed limits as they can vary.
Alcohol and Drugs: The legal blood alcohol limit in Portugal is 0.5 g/l. Driving under the influence of drugs is strictly prohibits.
Mobile Phones: Using a mobile phone while driving without a hands-free system is illegal and subject to fines.
Roundabouts: Portugal has many roundabouts. Traffic inside the roundabout has the right of way, and those entering must yield.
Driving in Portugal with a Foreign Driver’s License
Driving in Portugal as a Tourist
If you are a tourist you are allows to drive in Portugal without the need to exchange them for a Portuguese driver’s licence for 185 days (approximately 6 months), provided that you are not a resident.
Nonetheless, if your plan involves establishing residency in Portugal, you are allows to drive with your foreign license for a maximum of 90 days starting from the issuance date of your residence permit. Within this timeframe, you must initiate the procedure to exchange it for a Portuguese driver’s licence.
Driving in Portugal as EU citizen
If you have a driver’s licence from an EU/EFTA country, you are permitts to utilize it for driving in Portugal until it reaches its expiration date. Subsequently, it is mandatory to replace it with a Portuguese driver’s license.
If you become a resident in Portugal and your licence originates from a country with a bilateral agreement with Portugal, you have a grace period of up to two years to replace it with a Portuguese one. However, if your license was issued by a country not involved in international conventions, an immediate exchange is mandatory.
Driving in Portugal as non-EU citizen
Driving licenses issued by non-EU countries are not valid in Portugal. If your country is a signatory to international road traffic conventions, you must exchange your driving license within 185 days of establishing residence in Portugal.
OECD and CPLP members
Residents of countries belonging to the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) and the Community of Portuguese-Speaking Countries (CPLP) are permitted to drive in Portugal using their original driver’s license, even if they establish residency in the country. There’s no obligation to exchange it for a Portuguese one.
Exchanging a Foreign Driving License for a Portuguese One
To apply for a Portuguese driving license, you must furnish the following documents at the Institute for Mobility and Transport (IMT) office:
- Permanent residence permit/card issued by SEF
- Your valid foreign driving license.
- Proof of residence in Portugal (residence certificate or residency card).
- Proof of identity (passport or ID card).
- A recent passport-sized photograph.
- A medical certificate to ensure you have the physical conditions to drive
- Payment for the exchange fee (€30).
Speed Limit in Portugal
The speed limits in Portugal can vary depending on the type of road, location, and vehicle.
Urban Areas: In cities and towns, the speed limit is typically 50 kilometers per hour (km/h). However, some urban roads may have lower limits, so always watch for posted signs.
Rural Roads: On single-carriageway rural roads (non-motorways), the speed limit is often 90 km/h. However, this can vary, and you should pay attention to posted speed limit signs.
Motorways (Autoestradas): On motorways, the speed limit is generally 120 km/h. Some motorway sections may have lower limits, especially in areas with challenging terrain or construction zones.
Car Insurance in Portugal
Car insurance in Portugal, like in many other countries, is a legal requirement for all vehicles. There are two types of car insurance coverage available in Portugal:
Third-Party Liability Insurance (Seguro de Responsabilidade Civil Automóvel): This is the minimum legal requirement for all vehicles in Portugal. It covers damage or injury you may cause to others in an accident. It does not cover damage to your own vehicle or injuries you or your passengers may sustain.
Comprehensive Insurance (Seguro contra todos os riscos): While not mandatory, many vehicle owners opt for comprehensive insurance to cover their own vehicle against various risks, including theft, vandalism, and accidents.
Car Inspection in Portugal
Car inspection in Portugal, known as the Inspeção Periódica Obrigatória (IPO), is a required check to ensure vehicles meet national safety and environmental standards. New cars have their first inspection after four years, then every two years, and once they reach an older age, inspections become annual.
All inspections are carried out at authorised Centros de Inspeção across the country. After the check, you’ll receive an official report. A passing result confirms compliance, while a failed inspection outlines the issues that need repair before returning for a recheck.
Fees depend on the type and age of the vehicle, but most inspections cost between €25 and €60. Keeping your IPO up to date is essential for staying road-legal in Portugal.
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Car Parking in Portugal
On-street parking in urban areas is usually metered, and payment is required to avoid fines. When it comes to underground parking, you normally take a ticket from the machine at the entrance, and in some cases electric vehicles are exempt from paying these fees. For residential areas, residents generally need to apply for a parking sticker. The first sticker is typically free, while a second one usually costs €54 and a third costs €132.
Portugal Toll Roads
Portugal has an extensive network of toll roads, known as “autoestradas,” that offer efficient travel across the country. While traveling in Portugal you may find different types of tolls in Portugal, including:
- Traditional Tolls: Pay the toll fee at the booth using cash or card.
- Electronic Tolls: Vehicles equipped with Via Verde pass through lanes marked with “Electronic” green signs. The toll amount is automatically deducted from the driver’s bank account.
- Toll Card: Some toll roads offer a prepaid “Toll Card” option for non-resident travelers. These cards are available in various denominations and can be purchased at service areas or online.
How to Apply for Via Verde Portugal?
Via Verde is an electronic toll collection system used primarily in Portugal. It is designed to simplify and expedite the payment of tolls on highways, bridges, and other tolled roadways. Via Verde offers both physical and online application methods and for the online application you’ll need to follow some steps:
- Visit the Via Verde website (www.viaverde.pt).
- Select “Adira Já” or “Join Now” to start a new account.
- Fill in the online form with your personal and vehicle details.
- Choose and link your preferred payment method.
- Submit the application after reviewing your information.
- Receive the Via Verde device by mail and install it in your vehicle.
Car Taxes in Portugal
Car taxes in Portugal include various charges and fees that vehicle owners must pay to comply with the country’s regulations. Here are some of the key car-related taxes in Portugal:
Imposto Único de Circulação – IUC
The IUC is an annual tax levied on all vehicles register in Portugal. The amount of IUC you pay depends on factors such as the vehicle’s engine size, fuel type, and emissions. Electric and low-emission vehicles often enjoy reduced rates.
Imposto sobre Veículos – ISV
ISV is a one-time tax levied on the purchase of new and used vehicles in Portugal. The amount varies base on factors such as the vehicle’s engine size, emissions, and fuel type. Electric and low-emission vehicles may qualify for reduced ISV rates or exemptions.
What to do in Case of Road Accident in Portugal?
In Portugal, all drivers must have at least third-party insurance. What you do after an accident depends on whether there are injuries and if the police need to be involved.
For minor accidents with no injuries, the drivers exchange details and fill out a joint statement for the insurance companies. If there’s any disagreement, don’t sign anything. Police are usually not required, though you can still file a report at a police station for insurance purposes.
If someone is injured, the accident must be reported to the police, and all parties complete an accident report form. Call 112 for emergency services and give the location as accurately as possible. Leave the vehicles where they are until the police arrive and place a red reflective triangle about 30 meters ahead to warn other traffic.
The insurance form, called the DAAA (Declaração Amigável), is filled out and signed by both parties. If there’s no agreement, the non-friendly claim form is used instead.
Finally, notify your insurance company as soon as possible. The faster you send the report, the quicker they can assist with your claim.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Can you drive in Portugal with a foreign license?
Yes, you can drive in Portugal with a valid foreign driver’s license, especially if you’re a tourist. However, residents may have specific requirements for exchanging their foreign licenses for Portuguese ones. If you are coming from a non-EU country you must exchange your driving licence within 185 days of obtaining your residence in Portugal (if your country is a signatory to international road traffic conventions).
Can tourists drive in Portugal?
Citizens of the United States and nationals from other European Union countries may use their domestic driving licenses for driving in Portugal, as long as their stay does not exceed six months (or 185 days). In such cases, there is no need for an International Driving Permit.
Is it mandatory to wear seat belts in Portugal?
Yes, seat belts are mandatory for all passengers in the vehicle, and fines are issued for non-compliance.
What are the speed limits in Portugal?
Speed limits can vary, but common limits include 50 km/h in urban areas, 90 km/h on rural roads, and 120 km/h on highways. Pay attention to posted speed limits.
How long can you drive a foreign car in Portugal?
Portugal offers a temporary admission process that permits vehicles registered in another EU Member State to stay in Portugal and be used without taxation for up to six months, whether continuously or intermittently, within a 12-month period.
How much does a driver's license cost in Portugal?
The cost of obtaining your driver’s license in Portugal can range from 500 to 1,000 euros, influenced by your selected driving school and your progress in the training process.
What is the minimum driving age in Portugal?
The minimum age to drive in Portugal is 18 years old. You must hold a valid driver’s license to operate a motor vehicle.
Are tolls common on Portuguese roads?
Yes, many highways in Portugal are tolled. Payment can be made through manual booths, electronic toll systems (via Verde), or prepaid toll cards. Ensure your vehicle is equipped to pay for tolls if you’re renting a car.
What are the rules about using a mobile phone while driving in Portugal?
Using a mobile phone while driving is prohibited unless you use a hands-free system. Violations can result in fines ranging from €120 to €600.
What documents are required when driving in Portugal?
You must carry your driver’s license, vehicle registration, and valid insurance documentation at all times. If you’re driving a rental car, keep the rental agreement with you as well.
Are winter tires or chains required in Portugal?
Winter tires or chains are not mandatory in most parts of Portugal due to its mild climate. However, in mountainous regions, especially in Serra da Estrela during winter, snow chains may be required when road conditions dictate.
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