Driving Abroad – Portugal – Car Insurance

Driving around Portugal will give you a great insight into the Portuguese culture and their way of life. Do be wary of Portuguese drivers as they can be very reckless and can be quite dangerous on the roads.

Portugal has one of the highest death rates on the road in Europe and this is mainly due to dangerous overtaking, speeding and tailgating. The Portuguese government have invested in producing a quite impressive motorway system; however the tolls on this motorway can be quite expensive. To travel on the motorway from Lisbon to the Algarve will cost you €17.05. If you can swallow the costs then using these motorways are very worth while.

Driving on the Portuguese Roads

Driving in Portugal can get quite confusing as the law out there gives priority to traffic coming from the right, making negotiating roundabouts quite challenging at times.

Speed limits are enforced by radar traps and unmarked police cars. If caught speeding in Portugal you will receive an on-the-spot fine so please carry some spare cash around to allow for this.

Please DO NOT use your mobile phone when driving in Portugal. The authorities will fine you around €600 and if you can’t pay the fine there and then they will confiscate your vehicle until you can.

Drink driving is another thing that you must not do in Portugal (Not that you should be doing it anyway!). The legal limit is 50mg, however if you get a reading that reads more than 120mg then you can expect to be put into a Portuguese prison.

BEWARE!! It’s illegal in Portugal to strap cycles to the back of a car.

Sites That Are Worth a Visit

If you are a fan of wine and port then you will love the Douro Valley. Some of Portugal’s finest wines and ports are created here and you will get the chance to see the vineyards. Tasting is also another activity that can be participated in, however remember that drink driving is definitely not wise in Portugal unless you fancy a tour of a Portuguese prison.

Laws of the Road in Portugal

All people in the car must wear a seatbelt at all times.
Children under the age of 12 years old or 1.5m tall cannot sit in the front unless the car only has front seats or there are no seatbelts in the back. Only approved child seats, appropriate to a child’s size and weight can be used. If you have to use a child seat in the front, the passenger side airbags must be TURNED OFF.
You must carry a warning triangle, high-visibility vest and your driving licence.
Running out of petrol when crossing the De Abril Bridge in Lisbon is illegal.
For emergency services dial 112.
Motorcyclists must dip their headlights during the day and wear a crash helmet at all times. This also applies to passengers who must be at least 7 years old.

Standard Speed Limits

Urban Areas – 50 Km/h
Open Roads / Outside Built Up Areas – 90 Km/h
Motorways – 120 Km/h

Local Knowledge

If a motorist flashes you then be extremely careful. It could mean that they are going to overtake you.

In the major cities you should park in the direction of the traffic. You are also not allowed to park within 18m of a junction or 15m of a bus stop. You may find people that will direct you into spaces. Locals will offer these people a tip to watch over their cars for them so you can give it a go yourself if you have the spare cash. If you park illegally you will however be clamped or towed.

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