PortugalvsSpain
Portugal and Spain share a land border — here's how their driving rules differ, side by side.
VERIFIED 2026-07-29 & 2026-07-29 · METHODOLOGY| RULE | Portugal | Spain |
|---|---|---|
| Driving side | Drives on the right | Drives on the right |
| Urban speed limit | 50 km/h | 50 km/h |
| Rural speed limit | 90 km/h | 90 km/h |
| Motorway speed limit | 120 km/h | 120 km/h |
| Alcohol limit (general) | 0.5‰ | 0.5‰ |
| Alcohol limit (novice) | 0.2‰ | 0.3‰ |
| Mandatory equipment | Warning triangle, Hi-vis vest | Warning triangles (two required), Hi-vis vest |
| Tolls | Toll booths | Mixed tolls |
| Headlights | Not generally mandatory in daylight outside tunnels, though motorcycles must run headlights at all times; recommended in poor visibility. | Not generally mandatory in daylight outside tunnels, though carrying and using dipped headlights in poor visibility is required; motorcycles must run headlights at all times. |
| Winter tires / chains | No nationwide mandatory rule — winter tires and chains are rarely needed given the climate, though they can be advisable on higher mountain roads (e.g. Serra da Estrela) in snow. | No nationwide mandatory date-based rule; winter tires or chains can be required on specific signed mountain roads (e.g. the Pyrenees and parts of the north) during winter weather events — follow posted signs. |
| Low-emission / restricted zones | Lisbon operates a low-emission zone in parts of the city center; other cities have more limited restrictions — check local signage. | Low-emission zones ("Zonas de Bajas Emisiones") cover Madrid, Barcelona, and a growing number of Spanish cities, generally requiring an environmental sticker ("distintivo ambiental") displayed on the windscreen — check each city's rules before entering. |
| Child seats | Children under 135 cm must use an approved child restraint suited to their height and weight. | Children under 135 cm (roughly age 12) must use an approved child restraint suited to their height and weight; front-seat use is restricted for smaller children. |
| Mobile phone use | Hands-free only; holding a phone while driving is prohibited. | Hands-free only; holding a phone while driving is prohibited, including at traffic lights. |
| Currency | EUR | EUR |
| Emergency number | 112 | 112 |