When travelling in Portugal check what items of motoring equipment are required.
Essential Items
- Headlamp Beam Adaptors
- GB Plate
- Spare Bulbs
- Warning Triangle
- Reflective Vest
Strongly Advisable Items
- First Aid Kit
- Fire Extinguisher
Other Information
Speed Limit - km/hr (mph)
Motorways Major roads outside towns Major roads in towns Built-up areas
120 (74) 100 (62) 90 (56) 50 (31)
With trailer: 100(62)
80 (50)
70 (43)
50 (31)
- Visiting new drivers (Full licence for less than 12 months) maximum speed 90 km/hr (56 mph)
- A yellow disc sticker with the figure '90' must be displayed on the rear of the vehicle
Seat Belts
- Compulsory in front seats and rear seats if fitted.
- Under 12 years are not allowed in front unless in an approved seat or harness.
- Under 3 years must use approved baby seat
Motorways
- Motorways are known as Auto-Estradas and are denoted with the letter 'A'.
- Tolls are charged on the following sections of motorway and must be paid in cash.
A1 Lisboa to Santarem
A1 Santarem to Fatima
A1 Fatima to Coimbra
A1 Coimbra to Aveiro
A1 Aveiro to Porto
A2 Lisboa to Marateca
A3 Porto to Braga
A4 Porto to Amarante
A5 Lisboa to Cascais
A6 Marateca to Montemor-o-Novo
A8 Lisboa to Torres Vedras
Drinking and Driving
The level of alcohol in the blood must be below 0.5 g/l. More than 1.2 g/l results in imprisonment.
Minimum Tyre Depth
1.8mm.
Fines
- Motoring offences attract an on-the-spot fine.
- An official receipt should be issued.
Parking
- Park only in the same direction as traffic flow.
- Illegally parked cars will be wheel clamped.
- Parking meters in operation in the major cities.
Emergency Phone Numbers
- Police 115
- Fire Service 115
- Ambulance 115
Additional Notes
- Driving licence, Passport, and vehicle documents to be carried at all times.
- Do not pass trams when passengers getting on/off.
- Do not use the horn except in emergencies



