Portugal
Drives on the right · EUR · Emergency 112Speed limits
Urban
50 km/h
Rural / outside built-up areas
90 km/h
Motorway
120 km/h
Alcohol limits
General limit
0.5‰
Novice drivers
0.2‰
Mandatory equipment
- •Warning triangle
- •Hi-vis vest
Winter tires & snow 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.
Tolls
System
Toll booths
Most motorways charge tolls, some at traditional booths (cash/card) and some as electronic-only "green lane" roads where non-resident/rental drivers usually need a transponder or must register online (or at a post office) within a set window after travel — check which type of road you're on before you drive it.
More things to know before you drive
Seatbelts
Mandatory front and rear for all occupants.
Mobile phone use
Hands-free only; holding a phone while driving is prohibited.
Child seats
Children under 135 cm must use an approved child restraint suited to their height and weight.
Headlights
Not generally mandatory in daylight outside tunnels, though motorcycles must run headlights at all times; recommended in poor visibility.
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.
Right of way & roundabouts
Priority to the right at unmarked intersections; roundabouts give way to traffic already circulating.
Parking
Paid parking zones are common in cities, usually via meter or app, with posted hours and rates; blue-marked bays typically indicate paid parking.
Speed cameras
Fixed and mobile cameras are common, including some average-speed sections on motorways.
Good to know
Electronic-only toll roads are a common trap for visitors — if you drive one without a transponder, you're expected to register and pay within days, and rental companies often add an administration fee on top if unpaid.