If you’re driving to Portugal for work, or you’re looking to explore the country by car while on holiday, there are a number of rules you will need to follow. Our guide is designed to take the stress out of your trip by providing everything you need to know.
What driving licence do I need to drive in Portugal?
Thankfully, if you hold a full UK driving licence and are aged 18 and over, you do not need to apply for another type before visiting.
International driving permits are recognised in Portugal, but are not a legal requirement.
Documents needed to drive in Portugal
Besides your full UK driving licence, there are a number of other documents that you will need to take with you. These include:
- Proof of ID such as a passport
- V5 registration document
- Car insurance certificate
These will need to be carried with you when you drive, just in case you are pulled over by Portuguese police.
New EU Entry/Exit system
The new EU Entry/Exit system (EES) was gradually launched in late 2025, but it is now in full effect. The EES has replaced getting a physical stamp in your passport when travelling into Europe and instead is a new digital border system for those looking to travel to the Schengen area from non-EU countries.
These checks are fully active and have been since April 10, 2026. EES is designed to do exactly what it’s named after – it will record your entry and exit in and out of this part of Europe. However, there are some things you will need to do before travelling.
Before you set off on your journey, you will need to register biometric details such as a photo and your fingerprints when you first arrive. Because of this extra step, it’s a good idea to allow for extra time as there may be lots of people doing this for the first time.
Sidenote: If you are travelling with children under 12, it’s important to note that they will not need to provide fingerprints, but will still need their photo taken and to register.
An EES record will last for three years and is ‘re-verified’ when you cross the border. Please note, you can’t stay for more than 90 days in a 180-day period, regardless of whether your trip is for work or pleasure.
A digital record will need to be made at the port before your visit to the Schengen area at the booths dedicated to this, where your details will be taken. If you are travelling through the Eurotunnel (now known as LeShuttle), you will have your checks done before you leave the country.
The European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS)
Although it is yet to launch, the ETIAS is a new document that is meant to be coming in late 2026, however that could still change at the time of writing with reports stating it could come in early 2027.
This is meant for UK citizens and other visa-exempt travellers. Despite it not being live, it’s a good idea to check if this is still the case before your journey and not at the last minute. This is because you will need to pay a mandatory fee and complete an application online in advance of your trip and not at the port or where you are travelling to Europe by car from.
If you are aged 70 and above, or you are under 18, you will not need to pay a fee, according to the official rules.
Think of it like an Electronic System for Travel Authorisation (ESTA), which is what you need before visiting the USA.
What do I need to drive in Portugal?
Beside the legal documents you need to take whilst driving in Portugal, there are other items you should be aware of when crossing the channel to other European countries, including mandatory ones.
If you’re driving through France and Spain to get to Portugal, take a look at our guide for driving in France and our guide for driving in Spain.
This will ensure you do not break any driving rules in other countries before reaching your destination.
Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC)
Motorists driving in Portugal don’t necessarily need to pack a Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC), which replaces the old European Health Insurance Card (EHIC), but doing so will help you should you run into any trouble.
A GHIC offers similar protection for travellers to what the EHIC afforded when UK residents visited the EU on a temporary stay, for business or pleasure. The GHIC is valid in the EU, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, Switzerland and several other countries outside of Europe.
GHICs can be obtained through the NHS website and are free of charge. Travellers are advised to apply at least two weeks before their trip.
It must be noted this shouldn’t be seen as a replacement for regular travel insurance, which you should take out for protection in case of emergency illness or injury, cancellations of your trip, delays and loss of luggage. It will allow you access to emergency and necessary state care.
Car insurance
If you’re driving in Portugal it’s always best to double check your car insurance covers you whilst you are abroad, as you may not have a policy that allows overseas travel.
We can offer free European cover with the car insurance policies we find for you for up to 30, 60 or 90 days depending on your needs.
Some UK policies offer third-party cover for driving in Europe, but not every fully-comprehensive policy means you will have the same cover when venturing outside of the UK.
European breakdown cover
Sterling can help find you European breakdown cover that provides you with 60 days’ breakdown cover while driving in Portugal, in any one calendar year. Sterling can help arrange roadside recovery or a reliable home repair service, whether your car or van breaks down in the UK, Europe or further afield.
Check your satnav
It’s illegal in Portugal and several other EU countries to use satnavs or other electronic equipment that alerts you of speed enforcement cameras. If yours provides such alerts, it’s recommended you switch them off before you enter Europe.
Reflective jackets
You could be fined for walking on a road or on a hard shoulder if you are not wearing a reflective jacket should you break down. You should therefore take reflective jackets for yourself and any passengers along with you when you travel in Portugal.
You will also need to carry these reflective jackets in the car’s cabin, and not, for example, in the boot of your vehicle.
Warning triangle
A warning triangle is always a good thing to carry in your vehicle, and while they are not compulsory to have in Portugal for foreign-registered cars as there is technically a loophole, you should definitely take one. The law in Portugal says you will need to place a warning triangle on certain roads should you break down. Not doing so could land you a fine.
Headlamp beam deflectors
Deflector stickers are needed to prevent dazzling oncoming drivers. You can buy deflector stickers from most car shops and, more expensively, at ferry ports and the Eurostar terminal. You may also be able to adjust the beam manually.
Bulbs, basic tools and other spares
It’s also advised that you bring replacement bulbs, belts, wiper blades, oil, water and other lubricants, along with the tools to fit replacement parts or top-up lubricant levels with you on your trip.
UK sticker
If your vehicle is registered in the UK you will need a UK sticker on your car. This used to be a GB sticker, but has since changed since September 2021, partly due to Brexit.
This is so Portuguese law enforcement can identify where the vehicle has come from.
What can’t I take in my car to Portugal?
When visiting Portugal, you’re not permitted to take any meat or products containing meat, milk or dairy.
On top of this, you are not allowed to take vegetables, plants or fresh fruit, apart from bananas, coconuts, dates, durians and pineapples.
If you require these items for medical reasons, then exceptions may be granted, but you will need to contact the embassy before you leave for your trip.
Are driving rules different in Portugal?
Like most countries, driving rules are slightly different in Portugal. For a start they drive on the opposite side of the road to us in the UK.
Below are some of the other differences you will encounter:
Overtaking
As a general rule of thumb, you will need to drive on the right and overtake on the left of a vehicle on roads that permit overtaking. However, if there is heavy traffic that has built up on two or more lanes in the same direction, you may overtake on the left.
When you are being overtaken by another vehicle, you should keep as far right as possible and not increase acceleration.
On narrow roads/streets, the vehicle closest to a passing place should pull into it, allowing another car to pass through. If the two vehicles are of equal distance from a passing place, the lighter car should pull in, or reverse to allow the oncoming traffic through.
When travelling on a hill, the vehicle travelling uphill needs to give way to cars coming down.
Trams are common in Portugal, and you are permitted to overtake a stationary one on the right-hand side if there’s an island for passengers either boarding or alighting a carriage.
Seatbelts and car seats
Just like the UK, seatbelts must be used by everyone in the vehicle. If you have a passenger who is under 18, it is the driver’s responsibility to ensure they are wearing one. Failing to do so will result in a fine of between €120 and €600.
Traffic light system
Portugal still uses the same three-coloured traffic light system we use in the UK, however, they have one noticeable difference.
There is no amber light signal after a red light, and a flashing amber is for indicating a caution.
A flashing red light, or sometimes a continuous red, is used near level crossings and warn of an obstacle.
Dash cams
In the UK dash cams have become commonplace in motorists’ vehicles. However, using them when driving in Portugal can get you into trouble. While you can legally own one, using one on a public road is generally considered illegal as per their General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) rules. When visiting the country it is best to leave yours at home or store it somewhere out of sight.
Who has priority when driving?
The priority rules for driving in Portugal are also slightly different from those in the UK. As a general rule though you must give priority to vehicles coming from the right or on rails unless signs dictate differently.
Towing a camper or caravan in Portugal
Your campervan, or a car with a caravan, must not exceed more than 18.75m in length, 4m in height and 2.55m metres in width.
Parking
Vehicles must be left facing in the same direction as the traffic on the side of the road you are parking on, unless stated on local street signs.
If you park illegally you are likely to be clamped, especially if you are causing an obstruction to moving traffic. In these circumstances, you will be fined and may also be towed away and left facing an impound cost.
If you have a blue badge you should be able to use this in Portugal, as the country accepts all EU issued disabled parking permits.
In urban areas you are not allowed to park:
- Within five metres of intersections and bends with limited visibility
- At pedestrian crossings
- Within 3m of tram stops
- Within 10m of other public passenger stops
- In spaces reserved for taxis
- Opposite vehicle entrances
You are also not allowed to park in the following places anywhere in the country:
- On bridges and level crossings
- Inside tunnels
- Places with limited visibility
- Within 50m before traffic lights, intersections or pedestrian crossings in outside built-up areas
What happens if I get fined whilst driving in Portugal?
After Brexit, the Portuguese authorities can no longer send camera fines automatically if you were caught speeding to your UK address, as the data-sharing agreement with the EU has now ended. However, driving laws of each country should always still be followed.
Instead, police in Portugal can issue on the spot fines and could even seize your vehicle if you refuse or can’t pay the fine.
What are the drink and drug-driving laws in Portugal?
Fines can range from €30 for unauthorised parking to €2,500 for driving over the legal limits for drugs or drink. You could also have your vehicle confiscated or face a possible prison sentence depending on the severity of the law you have broken.
Whilst drinking and driving is never a good idea, it’s worth noting that the blood alcohol level for private drivers is 0.05%, which is lower than in the UK where it is 0.08%. However, if you are hiring a minibus or coach or you are a newly qualified driver (driving for less than three years), the level once again drops to 0.02%.
Generally your vehicle can be confiscated if you refuse to pay a fine, have a forged number plate, have no registration documents or if you test positive for drink or drug driving.
What to do in an emergency in Portugal when driving
Emergency telephones are linked to an SOS line, similar to the UK, and are installed every two kilometres along the motorways.
You can also dial 112 from anywhere in Europe and an operator will connect you to an emergency service in the country you’re visiting. Operators can answer your call in English.
Speed limits in Portugal
Portugal, like most countries in Europe, uses the metric system for all of their road signs, meaning speeds will be measured in km/h instead of mph like in the UK.
General speed limits in Portugal are below, but road signs may indicate the actual limit, so always keep a look out:
- Built-up areas are 50km/h (31mph)
- Outside built-up areas between 90km/h (55mph) and 100km/h (62mph)
- Motorways 120km/h (74mph)
Special speed limits can apply to certain classes of vehicle, such as motorhomes, mopeds and vehicles with trailers.
Speeding fines in Portugal
Speeding fines in Portugal work differently than the UK and other countries within Europe.
Fines can range from €60-€2,500 depending on how much faster you are driving than the speed limit, and the road that you are driving on.
It’s also worth noting that any device that searches or can detect mobile speed cameras, or interferes with police transmissions, is illegal in Portugal and can also land you a €2,500 fine.
Who can hire a car in Portugal?
To hire a car in Portugal you must be 25 years old, although if you are younger, you may be able to pay a surcharge.
You must also own a full UK driving licence and provide a secondary method of ID such as a passport. It’s also worth noting that most rentals will not lend you a vehicle unless you have been driving for at least one to three years, and may ask you for a credit card to make the deposit.
Driving with children in the car in Portugal
If you’re enjoying a family getaway it’s vital to note that any child under the age of 12, and who is under 1.35m (4ft 4in) tall must travel in the back seats in a special child restraint system.
Children can travel in the front seat under the age of three, but only if they are placed in a rear-facing car seat and the airbag on the passenger’s side is switched off.
Additional information about driving in Portugal
Here are some extra pieces of information you may need to know when driving in Portugal:
Toll roads
Portugal has quite a few tolls, especially in tourist areas. You can pay using cash, credit/debit card or a pre-paid card.
You can also use the Via Verde scheme if you are planning on using more than one toll road, as this will save you time when stopping.
Or you can use Easy Toll, which is often easier for visiting motorists. Simply enter your card details at the border point and a photo of your registration plates. The system will then deduct toll payment every time the registered vehicle passes a toll gate.
Popular driving routes
Portugal has some of the most beautiful scenery in Europe, and with multiple different types of terrain. Whether you’re driving along the coastline of the Algarve, exploring the narrow streets of Lisbon, visiting the Douro Valley or the historic Minho region, there’s something for everyone.
Driving in Lisbon
Driving in Lisbon is a thrilling adventure, but it can also be a tough city to navigate due to its narrow streets and lack of parking spaces. A top tip from us would be to park outside of the city, and travel in via public transport.
Motoring in the mountains
Mountainous roads in Portugal are not well kept in lots of places. If you want to explore these for yourself, it’s a good idea to hire a four-wheel drive vehicle.
You will encounter quite a few roads that only have one lane, despite it being two-way traffic.
Driving rules in Europe may have changed since this article was updated in July 2026. Please check official government sources before travelling. This guide is for general information only and does not constitute legal or travel advice. While we aim to keep information up to date, we can’t guarantee its completeness or full accuracy.
European car insurance and breakdown cover
If you’re planning on driving in Portugal you will need to ensure you have the right European car insurance to give you peace of mind should the worst happen.
No matter the vehicle, make sure to take our breakdown insurance with you.
Sterling can help find you a car insurance policy for every sort of car, van and campervan with EU cover available. Call us on 0344 381 9990 for a quote or request a callback at a time better suited to you.