Driving in Portugal
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Much like the rest of Europe, if you wish to drive in Portugal then get used to driving on the right. Apart from that, is there anything else you need to be aware of?
Here at PortugalProperty.com we give you a few bits of advice and words of warning.
Firstly, don’t be fearful of driving here. Traffic does not operate at the speed you may have seen in Italy or Spain. Traffic much more reflects the pace of life here. Of course there is always the next Lewis Hamilton ready to show off but generally people are happily moving from A to B. Rather than death defying overtaking you need to be more cautious of the person turning without indicating or reversing and not looking. So, keep your wits about you and you should be fine.
Remember to take priority when you have it – don’t go showing all the British or Irish driving courtesy as all you will do is confuse everyone. Equally so, if you don’t have priority then don’t expect to be given it by a flash of lights – in fact, don’t ever flash your lights. The only time light flashing occurs is to warn other drivers of a pending police inspection further up the road! This is a much better system – we all know where we are – and have no road rage!
Speed cameras are almost none existent except for the speed slowing traffic lights. If you are ever in the middle of nowhere and come across a red light then you were driving too fast. It’s there to annoy you, frustrate you but not fine you – isn’t that a relief. In Portugal speeding fines from cameras are rare. Police will sometimes be in unmarked vehicles and can request an on-the-spot fine in the region of 120 euros if you are caught speeding. No points on your licence though!
Traffic Police in Portugal are generally very helpful and you do feel they are doing their jobs rather than persecuting at every opportunity. Road blocks do occur from time to time and all vehicles will be pulled over and you need to produce all of your information such as driving licence and insurance so you need to carry that with you.
If you are heading towards Lisbon the traffic will be heavier and you will encounter some toll roads. Just make sure you take a ticket at the entrance and pay when you leave – the green Via Verde sign is for preregistered owners who have magnetic boxes in their cars – otherwise you may be fined!
Insurance is cheap and it’s the car that is insured not the driver. So you can always let a friend borrow it or drive you home if it’s been one of those Portuguese Green Wine evenings!
Other than that, and the ability to find parking spaces where they never existed, the Portuguese aren’t too far different from ourselves.
Happy motoring!
Published in: Travel