What Is the Legal Driving Age in Portugal
Driving and fine laws are strictly enforced in Portugal. Police officers in Portugal are professional and well trained and have a good command of English. Avoid being rude to them and avoid initiating aggressive behavior. Courtesy and friendliness go a long way. You can politely ask what the reason for the policeman`s action is and ask why you are being arrested. But after submitting your legal document, you`re good to go. The alcohol limit is 0.5 grams of alcohol per 1 liter of blood. If you are caught exceeding the limit, the fines are severe. Keep in mind that alcohol tolerance depends on many factors, such as gender, weight, and age, but as a general rule, a large glass of beer or wine can keep you just under the limit. There is zero tolerance for drugs. There are so many things to consider before driving in Portugal. Driving becomes easier, more flexible and more comfortable if you know the information about traffic rules, traffic signs, driving etiquette and required routes in Portugal. Traffic rules in Portugal may differ from those in your home country, so it`s best to know these rules to avoid infractions and fines.
If you want to live an adventure, Madeira is the place for you. This mountainous part of Portugal offers impressive scenery and refreshing views. Just be aware of the challenges you will encounter while driving in Madeira. There are steep slopes, massive cliffs and narrow roads. Be sure to prepare before heading to Madeira, as many roads go up and down. Stop from time to time to enjoy the view. Overall, Portuguese roads can be challenging, so be careful when driving. You can obtain a licence to drive light commercial vehicles from the age of 18. There are different minimum ages for other license categories.
In general, Portuguese drivers strictly follow the rules of the road and driving in Portugal. However, there are still drivers who drive too fast, especially on highways and highways. Be careful if you encounter these pilots. Remember to follow the driving rules and respect the speed limit. Since the quality of the roads is in good condition, it is up to drivers to ensure a safe driving situation. If you do not comply with the law, you will face your penalty and fine. If you park illegally several times in Portugal, the local authorities may award points on your driving licence, which will indeed affect your insurance premiums. You might be confused about how to drive around roundabouts as the driver`s side of Portugal is in life. When entering a roundabout in Portugal, remember to yield the right of way to traffic at the roundabout and approach on the left. The rule is simple, if the roundabout has one lane, just drive into the roundabout and take the exit lane you want. Although public transport in Portugal is quite good, there is nothing better than planning your own road trip. Driving in Portugal can be a challenge or a joy, depending on how prepared you are.
This guide will give you all the information you need about licensing requirements, traffic rules, how to rent a car, drive in the countryside, the peculiarities of Portuguese drivers and where to get help in case of breakdown or accident. Portugal`s online citizen portal lists the requirements for obtaining a driving licence in Portugal. To obtain a driving license in Portugal, you must be over 18 years old, have lived in Portugal for at least 185 days and not be banned from driving by any authority. They also cannot hold a driving licence in another EU country and must meet the physical, mental and psychological requirements. Your driving licence will indicate the category of vehicle you are authorised to drive (e.g. passenger cars, light commercial vehicles or articulated trucks). Driving in Portugal is not so problematic compared to other European countries. There is increased road safety awareness, modern road infrastructure and easy-to-understand road signage. If you want to drive in Portugal, you don`t have to worry because Portugal is made for safe driving. Portugal is the second best way to exit the 28 European Member States.
You`ll have a less stressful driving experience here. The use of a handheld device while driving in Portugal is prohibited. A speaker is allowed. The fine for distracted driving can be up to €600. In the capital of Portugal, Lisbon, it is quite difficult to drive, because the surface of the road is narrow and old. One of the challenges of driving in Lisbon is the lack of parking spaces and poor traffic management, as many cars enter and leave the city. The historic center of Lisbon has a fairly high volume of vehicles. You will need to be patient when driving in Lisbon. Start your road trip in Lisbon, the capital of Portugal. It is a must-see as this city has palaces, monasteries, charming villages and picturesque views.
Lisbon still has traces of its ancient past, which are visible in its narrow streets. Your trip to Lisbon would not be complete without visiting the illuminated streets and romantic views in the evening. You can check the ticket from Portugal to see another tourist site near the capital. You will have a two-hour drive if you drive from Lisbon airport to Cais da Ribeira. If you want to avoid traffic jams and take the fastest route, take the A2. Note, however, that you will pass toll roads if you take this route. Here`s your driving guide: In the theory exam, you have to answer 30 multiple-choice questions in 35 minutes and only get 3 wrong answers. This exam tends to be more difficult than other exams. The practical driving test lasts 40 to 50 minutes.
If you want to exchange your foreign driving license for a Portuguese one instead of getting a brand new one, this process is easy. You can submit an application online and pay a small fee of less than 40 euros. If you are caught with a suspended driver`s license, revoked or not at all, you can be fined or even jailed for up to two years. Keep in mind that repeated violations will result in higher fines. There are several toll roads in Portugal. You can pay them by card or cash, but highways accept the VIA Verde automatic payment system with a magnetic card attached to the windshield of the vehicle. So check if your rental vehicle has a toll tag. There is also a system called Easy Toll, which is easier for motorists. You enter your card details, a photo of your license plates is taken in the margin. The system then automatically deducts the toll payment each time the registered vehicle passes through a toll booth. As a visitor, you can drive your own vehicle in Portugal for up to 183 days in a 12-month period and use your vehicle only for tourism. You can`t lend it to someone else.
If you want to stay longer, you must ask the Portuguese customs authority that the car is legally imported. Make the most of your trip by driving in Portugal. One of the advantages of renting a car is that you can take public transportation to places out of reach. The Serra de Estrela is an important tourist place in Portugal, accessible only by private car. You can even travel beyond major cities and tourist attractions. Some rental companies allow you to drive in Spain and Portugal and other European cities. Enjoy! There are several reasons why you could be fined in Portugal. A distinction is made between minor, serious and very serious traffic offences. A fine is only imposed for minor traffic violations, while serious to very serious offenses can result in a driving ban. Drivers drive on the right side of the road. Note that Portuguese drivers tend to be a bit faster and sometimes more aggressive than you might be used to. This is despite the fact that the police are quite strict in enforcing driving laws.
One thing to note is that drivers in Portugal don`t often use turn signals, so it`s important that you stay vigilant.
