PortugalPortugal
Traffic rules
Portugal
1. Portugal
Portugal lies on the western edge of the Iberian Peninsula in Southwestern Europe, sharing its only land border with Spain and facing the Atlantic Ocean; the country also includes the Azores and Madeira. Traffic drives on the right. Road conditions range from busy metropolitan routes around Lisbon and Porto and major north-south motorways to winding roads through the mountainous interior and steep roads on the Atlantic islands. Portuguese is the language normally used for written information on road signs, while most warning and regulatory signs rely on internationally recognisable symbols.
One particularly important feature for visitors is Portugal's motorway toll system. There is no nationwide motorway vignette: some routes remain tolled, with both conventional toll plazas and sections using electronic-only collection. The network has changed substantially in recent years, however. Tolls were abolished on several former tolled motorway sections from 1 January 2025, including the A22, A23 and A24, and since 1 January 2026 the entire A25 is also toll-free. Drivers should therefore check the current toll status of their planned route rather than relying on older maps or travel information.
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Which number can you call in an emergency in Portugal?
Call 112 for urgent emergency assistance. Give the operator your location and explain what happened.
🔗 gov.pt • Portuguese Government, emergency contacts in Portugal
What is the alcohol limit for driving in Portugal?
For most drivers, driving is prohibited with a blood-alcohol concentration at or above 0.5 g/l. The lower threshold starts at 0.2 g/l for probationary drivers and the specified professional or special-service categories, including taxi, TVDE, heavy-vehicle, emergency and dangerous-goods drivers. These are offence thresholds, not safe drinking targets.
What speed limits apply to passenger cars in Portugal?
Built-up areas: For an ordinary passenger car, the general maximum speed in a built-up area is 50 km/h, unless signs impose a different limit.
Outside built-up areas: For an ordinary passenger car without a trailer, the general maximum on ordinary roads outside built-up areas is 90 km/h, unless a different limit is signed.
Roads reserved for cars and motorcycles: For an ordinary passenger car without a trailer, the general maximum on a road reserved for automobiles and motorcycles is 100 km/h, unless signs indicate otherwise.
Motorways: For an ordinary passenger car without a trailer, the general motorway maximum is 120 km/h, unless a lower limit is indicated.
What are the seat-belt and child-restraint rules in Portugal?
Drivers and passengers must use the seat belts and other legally required safety devices fitted to the vehicle, subject to limited statutory exemptions.
Children under 12 and shorter than 135 cm must use an approved child restraint suitable for their size and weight and normally travel on a rear seat. If either age 12 or 135 cm is reached, the fitted seat belt is sufficient under the main rule.
A child under 3 may travel in front in an approved rear-facing restraint with the frontal airbag deactivated. A child aged 3 or older may travel in front if there are no rear seats or no rear-seat belts, using the required restraint. Children under 3 may not travel in a car without seat belts.
Can you use a mobile phone while driving in Portugal?
Drivers must not continuously handle or use equipment that can interfere with driving, including a handheld telephone. Hands-free use is permitted when it does not require continuous handling of the device.
What safety equipment must a car carry in Portugal?
Motor vehicles covered by the Portuguese equipment rule must carry an approved warning triangle and retroreflective safety vest. When a vehicle is immobilised on the carriageway or shoulder, the triangle must normally be placed at least 30 m behind it and be visible from at least 100 m; the person placing it or dealing with the vehicle must wear the vest.
Can a visitor use a driving licence issued in another EU country in Portugal?
Yes. A valid, full EU driving licence is recognised for the vehicle categories it covers. You must meet the applicable minimum age. A learner licence or a temporary replacement certificate does not have the same automatic recognition.
Are motorcycle helmets compulsory in Portugal?
Yes. On an ordinary, open motorcycle, both the rider and passenger must wear a protective helmet. Use a helmet that meets the applicable approval requirements and fasten it correctly. Check the specific rules before relying on an exemption for an enclosed or specially equipped vehicle.
