In general, Portuguese drivers are notorious for tailgating. In
addition to this, they drive very fast, hence the bad rep and high road
accident statistics. However, if you maintain a safe driving distance
from the car in front of you and keep to a speed you are comfortable
with, the tailgater will overtake you soon enough, usually on a blind
bend. Just mind your own driving and you should be ok.
Speeding is pretty much the norm on Portuguese roads, and speed traffic
lights are in operation to help tackle this. The lights operate on a
sensor positioned a few meters in front of the traffic lights. If you
see flashing orange lights, you should make sure that you're doing more
than the speed limit as you pass otherwise the traffic lights will turn
red. Be aware that even if you are doing the correct speed they can
be triggered by someone else speeding up behind you.
In addition, indicators haven't really caught on in Portugal, although
things are getting a little better, so just be vigilant. Drivers will
turn without indicating and will indicate and continue straight, especially
at roundabouts. Speaking of roundabouts, you must give way to traffic
already on the roundabout, whichever lane they are in and only occupy
the right-hand (outside) lane if you are taking the first exit - you
risk a fine if you drive in the outside lane and do not take the first
exit.
Remember to always drive on the right and, if not otherwise indicated,
give way to traffic coming from your right. It is illegal to overtake
in the right-hand lane in free-flowing traffic. It is illegal to drive
slower than 50km/h (31mph) on the motorway unless there's a traffic
jam of course. If piling luggage on a roof rack, your baggage must not
exceed the vehicle's length by more than 55cm at the front and 45cm
at the rear. Make sure you fit it properly and securely. If you are
bringing over or renting bikes, it is illegal to carry them on the back
of a car. So, you'll need a roof mounted bike rack or will need to fit
them inside the car.
Regarding bikes, drivers must keep a minimum distance of 1.5 metres
from cyclists and reduce speed when overtaking them. Driving in the
cities isn't too stressful, but do bear in mind that the streets are
very narrow, parking is extremely limited and you have to give way and
watch out for people alighting from trams in the streets. Furthermore,
coexisting zones are in operation giving cyclists permission to use
the full width of the roads, for games to be played in the streets and,
actually, that all sounds far too much to deal with on holiday. Ditch
the car and take the very cool old style trams to get around - a much
better way to see the city sights.
Have a full driver's licence, no learners allowed. Be at least 17 years
old, although if renting a car you may encounter problems if under the
age of 18. Carry your driver's licence with you whilst driving. Have
at least third party insurance. Wear a seatbelt in the front and rear
at all times, if fitted. Do not use a mobile phone whilst driving, but
you may use a handsfree kit. If you do not have a handsfree kit, you
may use a single earphone piece of equipment, but using two earphones
is illegal. Ensure children under 12 years of age and under 135cm in
height sit in a child safety seat with appropriate restraints. Turn
on dipped headlights during the daytime when visibility is poor and
when driving through tunnels. Do not have a blood alcohol limit (BAC)
exceeding 0.5g/l. If you have held your driver's licence for less than
three years, you must not have a BAC exceeding 0.2g/l. Do not drive
under the influence of psychotropic substances. Police test drivers
involved in serious injury crashes for drugs and can administer roadside
drug tests if they suspect you are driving whilst under the influence
of drugs.
