Portugal is an attractive destination for car travel, especially for drivers from neighbouring countries such as Spain. However, to enjoy a safe and smooth journey, it is essential to be familiar with the traffic regulations, the condition of the roads, how tolls work in Portugal and the requirements for foreign drivers. To avoid traffic fines in Portugal, it is advisable to plan your routes in advance, check toll payment methods and observe speed limits.
Traffic regulations in Portugal
The traffic rules in Portugal are similar to those in other European Union countries, but there are some specific features that drivers should be aware of before setting off on their journey.
- Speed limits: in urban areas, the speed limit is 50 km/h; on secondary roads, 90 km/h; and on motorways and dual carriageways, between 100 and 120 km/h. Vehicles with trailers or caravans have lower speed limits. Speeding fines range from £300 to £2,500.
- Driving side: in Portugal, driving is on the right and overtaking is on the left.
- Mobile phone use: it is prohibited to use a mobile phone while driving, except with hands-free devices. The use of headphones is also prohibited.
- Seat belts and restraint systems: Seat belts must be worn by all occupants of the vehicle. Children under 12 years of age or less than 1.5 metres tall must use appropriate child restraint systems and may not travel in the front seat.
- Alcohol and driving: the blood alcohol limit is 0.5 g/l for drivers in general and 0.2 g/l for novice or professional drivers. Exceeding these limits carries fines of up to £1,250, withdrawal of your driving licence or even imprisonment.
- Other rules: at roundabouts, vehicles already on the roundabout have priority. Failure to obey pedestrian signs, jumping red lights or ignoring police instructions can result in severe penalties, including loss of your driving licence.
Tolls in Portugal
The toll system in Portugal is one of the most complex aspects for foreign drivers, as it combines traditional tolls with electronic tolls without barriers. Since 1 January 2025, motorways such as the A4 (Transmontana and Túnel do Marão) are free of charge following the entry into force of Law No. 37/2024, which eliminates tolls on sections with no viable alternatives.
Traditional tolls (Via Aderente)
Traditional tolls operate with booths where you pay in cash, by card or using electronic toll devices such as Via-T or Via Verde. The lanes reserved for Via Verde are for vehicles with the appropriate device. Using these lanes without the appropriate device can result in fines of up to ten times the toll amount.
Electronic tolls (SCUT)
Some motorways have barrier-free tolls. The vehicle registration number is recorded by cameras when the vehicle passes through the entrance and exit gates. Payment is made electronically and requires prior registration or activation. Foreign drivers can use systems such as:
- EasyToll: links a bank card to the vehicle’s registration number for automatic payments. It is available at entry points such as the Vilar Formoso border.
- TollCard: a prepaid card (€5, €10, €20 or €40) valid for one year, activated by SMS.
- Vía Verde: an electronic device for automatic payments, useful for those who travel frequently to Portugal.
Failure to pay an electronic toll is the most common offence committed by foreign drivers, with fines that can exceed £100. Notifications are sent to the driver’s home address in their country of origin. Drivers can check outstanding debts on websites such as vialivre.pt or pagamentodeportagens.pt.
General condition of roads in Portugal
Portugal has a well-maintained road network, although it is less developed than in other European countries. The main motorway connecting Lisbon to Porto is modern and has four lanes, but most secondary roads are two lanes. Rural roads may have less signage and occasional animals, so caution is advised.
Portuguese roads generally have little signage, especially on national roads, which can disorient unfamiliar drivers. Speed cameras are common and the police carry out regular checks.
It should be noted that traffic in urban areas such as Lisbon can be heavy, and finding parking in the centre is difficult, so it is advisable to use regulated parking areas (blue zones).
Documents required for foreign drivers
As a member of the Schengen Area, Portugal allows the free movement of people and vehicles. Drivers from other European Union countries must carry:
- ID card or passport in force.
- Driving licence valid.
- Vehicle registration certificate and technical specifications.
- ITV certificate in order.
- Compulsory civil liability insurance, accredited by the policy or a receipt of payment. It is not necessary to carry the Green Card within the EU.
Although not compulsory, it is recommended to carry a rental agreement if the vehicle is rented and an international insurance certificate to avoid problems at traffic checks.
Compulsory equipment for vehicles
Vehicles travelling on Portuguese roads must be equipped with at least the following:
- Reflective vest: compulsory for the driver; must be worn when leaving the vehicle in the event of a breakdown or accident.
- Emergency triangle: necessary to signal the vehicle in the event of a stop on the road.
- Vehicle documentation: vehicle registration certificate, MOT certificate and insurance.
- Spare wheel or puncture repair kit (recommended, not compulsory).
Traffic authorities and emergency telephone numbers in Portugal
The main authority responsible for traffic enforcement in Portugal is the Guardia Nacional Republicana (GNR), which carries out checks on roads and motorways, especially at electronic tolls. The Autoridade Nacional de Segurança Rodoviária (ANSR) oversees road safety and manages the traffic penalty system.
In case of emergency, the contact numbers are:
- Emergencies (accidents, medical emergencies, police): 112 (free throughout the EU).
- Traffic information (paid telephone number): +351 707 500 501.
- Customer service (infrastructure and roads): +351 21 287 90 00.