Portugal

Chaotic and unruly

Chaotic and unruly has been used to describe the driving in Portugal, that said it has improved in recent years. The use of indicators has never really caught on in Portugal so by all means use them as you would normally, just don’t expect anyone else to. Drivers will often stop in the middle of the road without warning. If you have got a tail hugger, which is not uncommon then at the first chance they get they will be overtaking you and the six other cars in front of you, and all on a blind bend no doubt.

For a link to advice from the AA please click here

*information correct at time of publishing

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Documents you must carry in the vehicle

• Driving licence
• Passport
• Green card (or insurance document) - we supply this for rentals
• VE103 (or log book - photocopy is unacceptable) - we supply this for rentals
• 'Letter of Authority' to rent the vehicle - we supply this for rentals
• Rental Agreement - we supply this for rentals

What you must have in the vehicle

• Photo ID (compulsory)
• High Viz jack for every person traveling in the vehicle in case of breakdown
• DEM (Temprary Electronic Toll Device) - this is required to use motorways in Portugal. You can purchase a 3 day pass giving unlimited travel on the motorways. Return Toll tickets are available from some of the spanish boarders

Speed

• 12 mph (20 km/h) - Some town centres
• 31 mph (50 km/h) - Built-up areas
• 55 mph (90 km/h) - Main Roads
• 62 mph (100 km/h) - Dual carriageways
• 74 mph (120 km/h) - Motorways

Travelling with Children

• Children under 12 and less than 1.35m tall must use a suitable restraint system
• Children under 12 and less than 1.35m tall cannot travel in the front unless there is no back seat or the back seat already has other children in them under the age of 12. 
• Children under 3 may use front passenger seat as long as the suitable restraint systemis is rear facing and the airbag is de-activated

Do's

• Purchase the DEM (Temprary Electronic Toll Device) - this is required to use motorways in Portugal. You can purchase a 3 day pass giving unlimited travel on the motorways. Return Toll tickets are available from some of the spanish boarders
• You must use dipped headlights in poor daytime visibility
• Wear seatbelts where fitted
• You may use snow chains where weather conditions require
• Do be wary of vehicles just turning without indicators - indicators are seldom used by locals  so have your witts about you!

Dont's

• You must not use your horn in built up areas except in cases of immediate danger
• You must deactivate the speed camera alert on sat navs or you could be slapped with an on the spot fine
• The legal limit is 49 milligrams of alcohol per 100 millilitres of blood.
• A lower limit of 19 milligrams applies to new drivers with less than 3 years’ experience.
• Penalties are severe. Between 50 and 80 milligrams expect a fine and withdrawal of your licence for between 1 month and a year. Over 80 milligrams and your licence can be withdrawn between 2 months and 2 years
• On-the-spot fines can be imposed and must be paid in Euros. - Most traffic police vehicles are equipped with portable ATM machines for immediate payment. You should get an official receipt showing the maximum amount of the fine. - If you refuse to pay an on-the-spot fine you will be asked for a deposit to cover the maximum fine for the offence committed. If you refuse the police can take your driving licence, registration document or even confiscate your vehicle. - If you park illegally your vehicle could be clamped or towed away