Portugal

Driving in Portugal

If hiring a car, you should ensure that the vehicle insurance is fully comprehensive and covers you and your passengers for all eventualities.

As a holidaymaker, you can bring your own vehicle to Portugal for a maximum of 183 days in any 12-month period. You must not use your vehicle for any other purpose or loan it to anyone else during that time. If you intend to stay longer, you must apply to the Portuguese Customs authority to have the car legally imported. You will be fined if you leave the country without your car.

The minimum age for driving is 18. You must possess a UK driving licence or an International Driving Permit. In addition to your licence, you must also carry your vehicle logbook or rental contract, proof of insurance and MOT certificate (if appropriate) together with all other relevant documentation. There are heavy on-the-spot fines for those who fail to do so.

You must carry a red warning triangle to place behind the vehicle in case of accident or breakdown and a reflective vest for use if you have to get out of your car. The wearing of seatbelts is compulsory in the front and rear of vehicles. Children under 12 must not travel in the front passenger seat. You must not carry spare (full) petrol cans in the vehicle.

Fines for traffic offences are substantial in Portugal. Such infringements as speeding, driving under the influence of drink or drugs, the use of mobile phones whilst driving and illegal parking are heavily penalised. The use of appropriate child safety seats and seat belts in the rear of the vehicle is compulsory. The police have the authority to fine on-the-spot and most of their vehicles are equipped with portable ATM machines to facilitate immediate payment. The Portuguese Highway Code can be found (in Portuguese) at: http://www.dgv.pt

As in many other European countries, there is a toll system in operation on Portuguese motorways. Heavy fines are imposed on those who do not or cannot pay toll fees. You should take care not to use the green lanes reserved for motorists who subscribe to the automatic pay system.

Driving regulations and customs are different from those in the UK and the accident rate is higher. In 2005 there were 1,247 road deaths in Portugal (source: DfT). This equates to 11.8 road deaths per 100,000 of population and compares to the UK average of 5.5 road deaths per 100,000 of population in 2005. You are advised to take extra care when crossing busy roads, especially late at night. This includes crossing at zebra crossings which are often badly lit and poorly marked. UK organisations such as the AA or RAC should be able to provide detailed advice.