If you’re driving to Portugal for work or 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. This includes:
- Proof of ID such as a passport
- V5 registration document
- Car insurance certificate
- Motor insurance certificate
These will need to be carried with you when you drive, just in case you are pulled over by Portuguese police.
You can drive your vehicle in Portugal for up to six months without the need for any official paperwork because it is allowed to be temporarily imported.
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 guidance for driving in France and our guidance 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 will need to pack a Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC), which replaces the old European Health Insurance Card (EHIC).
GHIC offers similar protection for travellers as that afforded by EHIC when a UK resident is in the EU on a temporary stay, for business or pleasure. The GHIC does not cover you in Liechtenstein or Switzerland, just in case you’re thinking of driving further into the continent.
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.
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 offer free European cover with our car insurance policies for up to 30, 60 or 90 days depending on your needs.
European breakdown cover
Our European breakdown cover is available from £42 a year and provides you with 60 days’ breakdown cover while driving in Portugal, in any one calendar year. Sterling can 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 breakdown. You should therefore consider taking reflective jackets for yourself and any passengers along with you when you travel in Portugal.
Warning triangle
A warning triangle is always a good thing to carry in your vehicle, but they are not compulsory to have in Portugal for foreign-registered cars.
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 (wrong) 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 €120-600.
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.
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 doing the following anywhere in the country:
- On bridges and level crossings
- Inside tunnels
- Places with limited visibility
- Within 20m of intersections
What happens if I get fined whilst driving in Portugal?
Thanks to an EU cross-border directive in May 2017, drivers who commit traffic offences whilst in EU countries can be tracked down and fined.
This means that if you commit a driving offence abroad, you will likely be prosecuted once you get back home.
Portuguese police can hand out on-the-spot fines of up to €2,500 for those who violate the law. You will then have a week to pay the fine, otherwise legal proceedings could ensue.
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 fordrugs 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.
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.
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. It costs from as little as £46.80 a year. Read this blog to discover the true cost of not having breakdown cover.
Sterling also has a range of car insurance policies for every sort of car, van and campervan, with prices starting from £125 a year and EU cover available. Call us on 0344 381 9990 for a quote or request a callback at a time better suited to you.
