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Quick note: In Portugal you drive on the right-hand side and overtake on the left. Rules follow the national Highway Code. Motorways have a 120 km/h limit and many cities now have 30 km/h zones and restricted traffic areas — always follow road signs.
Main roads are generally well maintained, but historic town centres can be narrow with uneven surfaces. Allow extra time and use park-and-ride facilities when visiting city centres such as Lisbon, Porto, or Coimbra.
At a glance
- ✅ Seatbelts: mandatory for all occupants
- 🍺 Alcohol: 0.5 g/l (new/pro drivers: 0.2 g/l)
- 📵 Handheld phones: prohibited (heavy fines)
- 🧒 Children: EU-approved restraint required
- 🛣️ Tolls: Via Verde & electronic (ex-SCUT)
- 📞 Emergency: 112
Driving Rules
Seatbelts, Alcohol & Mobile Phones
- Seatbelts must be worn by all occupants at all times.
- Alcohol limit: 0.5 g/l; 0.2 g/l for new drivers (less than 3 years) and professional drivers.
- Handheld mobile phone use while driving is illegal; hands-free only if it does not require handling.
Lights, Tunnels & Overtaking
- Use dipped headlights in poor visibility and inside tunnels (never stop in the lane).
- Do not overtake on solid lines or where visibility is limited.
- Keep a safe following distance and avoid sudden braking.
City Driving & Restricted Areas
- In 30 km/h zones and shared streets, give priority to pedestrians and cyclists.
- Some cities have environmental/restricted zones — check local signage.
- In Lisbon/Porto, follow municipal parking rules (e.g., EMEL/PortoParking).
Required Documents
- Passport/ID card
- Valid driving licence (IDP may be required depending on country/alphabet)
- Vehicle documents: insurance, rental agreement, and roadside assistance details
Speed Limits (cars)
General rules (unless otherwise signed):
| Road type | Limit | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Within built-up areas | 50 km/h | Many 30 km/h zones and some shared streets at 20 km/h. |
| Outside built-up areas | 90 km/h | Frequent reductions in villages, curves, and dispersed urban zones. |
| Expressways / major routes | 100 km/h | Bridges/tunnels may have lower limits. |
| Motorways (A1, A3, A28, A29, A22 …) | 120 km/h | Urban sections/roadworks may lower the limit. |
Speed is monitored by fixed/mobile radars and unmarked police vehicles.
Roundabouts: priority & lanes
- Priority is given to vehicles already on the roundabout.
- Right/exterior lane: 1st exit or going straight ahead (unless signs indicate otherwise).
- Left/interior lane: exits to the left/U-turn; change to exterior lane before your exit and signal right.
- Always indicate when changing lanes and when exiting.
Parking
- No parking within 5 m of junctions or blocking driveways/access (may be towed).
- Paid parking zones use meters/apps (e.g., EMEL Lisbon, PortoParking). Always pay to avoid fines.
- Disabled bays only with a valid permit clearly displayed.
- Parking fines during rental may be sent to your home address — pay early to avoid extra fees.
Tolls in Portugal (SCUT & Motorways)
Toll systems
- Electronic tolls (ex-SCUT): no booths. Gantries register your plate/device and charge automatically.
- Toll booths: pay to an operator or machine (cash/card/contactless).
- Via Verde: recommended device for seamless travel on all toll systems.
Examples of electronic toll roads (ex-SCUT)
E.g., A22 (Algarve), A23, A24, A25, A28 (sections), among others. Look for Electronic toll only signs.
Paying with a rental car
- Opt for Via Verde when picking up your rental — simplest method, billed at the end or in real time.
- Without device: the rental company may bill you later using contract details (may add admin fees).
- Avoid driving on electronic toll roads without payment — can lead to fines.
Tip: Check at pickup if your vehicle has Via Verde and how tolls will be charged.
Safety & Children
- Children under 12 years (or under 135 cm) must not sit in the front and must use an appropriate child restraint.
- In breakdown/stop: turn on hazard lights, wear a reflective vest before leaving the car, and place the warning triangle.
- Never accept “friendly settlements” after an accident — always call the authorities (112/PSP/GNR).
In case of emergency
European emergency number: 112
- Accidents: call 112 (PSP/GNR/Fire Service) and follow instructions.
- Breakdown: stop in a safe place, wear vest, place triangle, and call roadside assistance listed on your insurance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. Main roads are in good condition. Take extra care in urban areas, rural roads, and during rain. Always respect limits and temporary roadwork signs.
Bring your valid licence. Some rental companies may request an IDP depending on your country of issue/alphabet. Confirm before booking to avoid surprises.
Urban: 50 km/h (many 30/20 zones); Outside urban: 90 km/h; Expressways: 100 km/h; Motorways: 120 km/h unless otherwise signed.
There are electronic toll motorways (no booths) and traditional toll booths. The easiest option is to use the Via Verde device provided with your rental. Without it, charges may be billed later with admin fees.
Vehicles already inside have priority. Use the right lane for the 1st exit/straight ahead and the left lane for left/U-turn, moving to the right lane before your exit. Always signal when changing lanes and when exiting.
Note: When in doubt, follow local signage and your rental agreement conditions.