Traffic rules in Portugal

Are you planning a trip to Portugal by car or motorhome? Then you should find out in advance about the current traffic regulations, speed limits, toll charges and mandatory equipment. This will help you avoid fines and enjoy a relaxed holiday.

This article contains all the important information you need – concise and up to date for 2025.

Which roads are subject to tolls in Portugal?

• Toll-free: In Portugal, most of the national road network is toll-free, meaning that EN, IC, IP and country roads can be used largely free of charge.

• E-vignette: There is no (digital) vignette in Spain, as the toll on motorways is calculated based on the distance travelled.

• Motorways: There are a number of trunk roads on which a toll must be paid, namely the following motorways:

  • A1: Lisbon – Porto (traditional toll stations)

  • A2: Lisbon – Algarve A3: Porto – Valença

  • A4: Bragança (electronic, sections toll-free since 2025)

  • A6: Marateca – Elvas A7, A8, A9, A10, A12, A14, A15

  • A17: Mira – Aveiro (electronic)

  • A19

  • A22: Algarve (Castro Marim – Bensafrim, electronic)

  • A23: Torres Novas – Guarda (electronic)

  • A24: Viseu – Vila Verde da Raia (electronic)

  • A25: Vilar Formoso – Albergaria and Albergaria – Aveiro (electronic)

  • A28: Porto – Viana do Castelo – Valença (partially electronic)

  • A33: Casas Velhas – Coina (electronic)

  • A41, A42: Porto region (electronic)

You can conveniently settle all toll charges incurred for travel to and from France and Spain and within Portugal using a toll box.

What speed limits apply in Portugal?

* Depending on local signage

Please note: In wet conditions or poor visibility, the limits may be lower. Speed limits are strictly enforced, especially on motorways – fines for exceeding the speed limit are high, starting at €60, and are also enforced in Germany.

Alcohol limit and mobile phone ban

As in most European countries, Portugal has a blood alcohol limit of 0.5 per mille. For novice drivers (those who have held a driving licence for less than three years) and professional drivers, there is a stricter alcohol ban of 0.2 per mille (as a driver, it is best to avoid alcohol altogether!). Violations can result in fines starting at €250. Using a mobile phone while driving without a suitable hands-free device is prohibited and punishable by fines (starting at €120).

What should you bear in mind when parking in Portugal?

If you want to park your vehicle in Portugal, you should make sure that parking is permitted in the respective areas. It is not uncommon for incorrectly parked vehicles in Portugal to be towed away immediately or to have wheel clamps fitted.& nbsp;

Where parking is permitted according to the traffic regulations in Portugal can be easily determined by the corresponding signage or the colour of the road markings:

• A yellow line indicates no parking, usually with additional signage;

• Blue parking zones require a separate parking ticket from on-site machines;

• White lines indicate free parking spaces;

How does toll collection work in Portugal?

Portugal charges tolls on most motorways and some bridges.

There are two systems:

• Conventional tolls: Payment is made at toll stations in cash, by card or with a Via Verde transponder.

• Electronic tolls: Especially in the Algarve and on some bridges (e.g. Ponte Vasco da Gama in Lisbon), tolls are automatically recorded by the vehicle's number plate. Without a toll box or prior registration, you may face high additional charges!

Tip: Use a toll box such as the maut1.de toll box for Portugal, to travel relaxed and stress-free. The box is easy to order, attaches to the windscreen and allows you to use all toll lanes – including the fast Via Verde lanes.

Mandatory equipment for vehicles

In Portugal, the following items must be carried in the vehicle:

• High-visibility vest (one per person, mandatory when leaving the vehicle on motorways and expressways)

• Warning triangle

• First aid kit (in accordance with DIN 13164)

• Spare bulb set (recommended)

• Fire extinguisher (recommended, mandatory for motorhomes)

Please note: Failure to carry a safety vest or warning triangle may result in fines starting at € 120.

What other traffic rules should be observed in Portugal?

• Roundabouts: Vehicles in roundabouts have right of way, unless otherwise indicated. On multi-lane roundabouts, the outer lane may only be used if the roundabout is to be exited at the next exit.& nbsp;

• Right of way: As a general rule, ‘right before left’ applies, but motorised vehicles have priority over cyclists and horse-drawn vehicles.

• Load: Protruding loads (max. 55 cm at the front, 45 cm at the rear) must be marked with a red and white warning sign. The sign prescribed in Spain can also be used in Portugal.

• Compulsory lights: Lights are compulsory on the ‘IP 5’ (from Vilar Formos to Aveiro) and on correspondingly signposted routes. Mopeds and motorcycles must drive with dipped headlights all year round.

What should you bear in mind regarding fines and checks?

In Portugal, fines are often paid directly on the spot to an official, especially in the case of non-Portuguese number plates. If this is not possible or if you refuse to pay the fine, your car may even be impounded. Persons with Portuguese number plates (e.g. rental vehicles) can make the payment at one of the ‘Payshops’ or a post office within five days of the number plate being electronically recorded.

Fines of €70 or more can also be collected in Germany.