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Roads in Portugal are defined by the Plano Rodoviário Nacional (PRN, English: National Road Plan), which describes the existing and planned network of Portuguese roads. The present plan in force is the 2000 National Road Plan (PRN 2000), approved in 1998.
May 30, 2024 · Thinking about driving in Portugal? Dive into this ultimate guide for all things Portugal driving. Navigate roads confidently and discover hidden gems.
- Overtaking and Passing
- Who Has Priority?
- Warning of Approach
- Towing
- Seat Belts
- Traffic Lights
In Portugal, motorists drive on the right and overtake on the left. When being overtaken, motorists should keep as far right as possible and not accelerate. You are permitted to pass a stationary tram only if there’s an island for passengers boarding and alighting. In narrow streets, the vehicle nearest a passing place should pull into it, reversin...
As a general rule, priority must be given to vehicles coming from the right unless indicated. Emergency vehicles and military vehicles have priority over other road users. Vehicles must not enter an intersection – even if they have right of way – if it’s likely they will be unable to leave it without obstructing other traffic.
Horns should be used in moderation. In urban areas, sounding the horn is not allowed during the hours of darkness, except in an emergency. If you need to give a warning, flash your lights instead. In rural areas, horns should be used whenever required for road safety, where visibility is compromised, or before overtaking another road user.
Camper vans and cars with caravans are not allowed to exceed 18.75 metres in length, 4 metres in height and 2.55 metres in width.
It’s compulsory to wear seat belts in the front and rear seats of cars equipped with belts. The fine for failing to wear a seat belt is set between €120 and €600.
The international three-colour traffic light system is used in Portugal. There is no amber signal after the red, and a flashing amber light indicates “caution”. A flashing or constant red light indicates “stop” and is used near level crossings and to give warning of an obstacle.
- Coastline of the Alentejo and the Algarve. Best road trip for beach lovers. Vila Nova de Milfontes–Vila Real de Santo António, 320km (199 miles), 2-3 days.
- The Central Coast. Best road trip for surfers and seafood fans. Praia do Guincho–Aveiro, 330km (205 miles), 2-3 days. If endless crashing surf sounds like your idea of heaven, you’ve come to the right country.
- The Douro Valley. Best road trip for wine lovers. Porto–Miranda do Douro, 358km (222 miles), 3 days. The Douro is a little drop of heaven. This UNESCO World Heritage-listed region offers some of Portugal’s most evocative landscapes with mile after swoon-worthy mile of vineyards spooling along the contours of its namesake river and marching up its terraced hillsides.
- North of Lisbon. Best road trip for UNESCO World Heritage sites. Lisbon–Tomar, 230km (143 miles), 1-2 days. This drive takes you from Lisbon, Portugal’s romantic capital, through landscapes softened by cork oaks and pines.
- Driving Requirements. The most important thing that you'll need to drive in Portugal is, of course, the correct driving license. To drive a car in Portugal, whether it's your own or a rental, you must be over 18 years of age.
- Rules of the Road. In Portugal, you drive on the right and overtake on the left. It’s forbidden to pass on the right on a straight road other than a motorway with several lanes.
- Renting a Car in Portugal. If you don’t bring your own car, you will want to hire a car for your road trips. Bear in mind that many vehicles in Portugal, even brand-new models, have a manual transmission.
- Other Tips for Driving in Portugal. Certain areas of Portugal have low emission zones, meaning that only low-emission vehicles are allowed to drive there.
Feb 16, 2022 · Planning a Portugal on the road? This guide to road trip in Portugal will help you to plan your way! Find here ideas, maps and itineraries.
Mar 7, 2024 · Away from the large-scale tourism in the cities, you can explore small historical towns, drive along rural roads among cork tree-studded hills, or stop at utterly undeveloped beaches for a refreshing swim in the Atlantic. Based on dozens of road trips in Portugal, here are some of my best tips!
