Portugal summary
Key facts
Official language(s)
Currency
Population
Time zone
Calling code
Drive on the
Member of the EU
Portugese and Mirandese
Euro
10,676,910
GMT
351
Right
Yes
Local weather
Lisbon
-
Sat5° | 15° - Sun10° | 15°
- Mon9° | 16°
-
Tue9° | 15°
Speed limits
- Motorways:
- 120kmh (72mph)
- Open roads:
- 90kmh (54mph)
- Towns:
- 50kmh (30mph)
Road Safety
-
Alcohol limit:
- 50mg of alcohol per 100ml of blood
- Penalties are extremely severe
- High amounts of alcohol in bloodstream may result in imprisonment
-
Use of mobile phone whilst driving:
- It is illegal to use a hand held mobile phone when driving and visitors can be fined up to €600
-
Seat belts:
- Compulsory for front and rear seated occupants if fitted
- Children under 12 years are prohibited from sitting in the front seat
-
Traffic lights regulations:
- Red- Stop
- Amber – Slow down
- Green – Go
Costs
- Road tolls:
- Toll roads can be very expensive and are less frequently used by locals
- On the spot fines:
- Visitors to Portugal are required to pay traffic fines on the spot, and they can be expensive
- All other fines (car documents, etc) may be issued later
General motoring advice
- Rush hour in built up areas:
- 0700 - 1000hrs
- Fuel:
- Almost all the fuel stations operate 24/7
- Payment can be made by cash or credit card
- An extra €0.50 is charged when using a credit card
- Diesel, Petrol, unleaded and lead replacement is available
- Credit cards are accepted at most filing stations and pumps
- Parking advice:
- Parking is allowed on the right side of the road (i.e. only on the right in the direction you are travelling)
- In the cities, there are many fee-paying car parks