5 Tips For Driving Safely And Legally In Portugal

Posted by Liz Seyi on March 16th, 2020

There’s a lot to like about the experience of driving in Portugal – including the generally good state of the country’s roads, not to mention its jaw-dropping and varied landscapes. Nonetheless, there are still certain things that, as leading expatriate-focused Car Insurance Brokers In Portugal, the team here at Ibex Insurance Services would urge you to be wary of.

So, here are just five tips that will help to ensure you stay on the right side of the law, while also keeping you safer on Portuguese roads.

1. Ensure you are legally entitled to drive in the country

Not only must you be at least 18 years old to legally drive a car in Portugal, but foreign visitors may need to exchange their licence or apply for a new one, depending on whatever reciprocal arrangements may be in place between Portugal and their country of origin.

The Expatica site has a more in-depth guide to Portuguese driving licences that we would advise expats to consult.

2. Be mindful of the local road and car taxes

Portuguese road tax is referred to as ImpostoUnico de Circulacao. You’ll need to pay tax annually on the date the car was originally registered, in addition to keeping the receipt as proof of your payment.

If your car is a pre-2007 registered one, the amount of tax you pay will hinge on the vehicle’s age and capacity, while newer cars are also assessed on the basis of their engine power and CO2 emissions.

3. Know the rules of the road

Vehicle users in Portugal are required to drive on the right; seatbelts must also be fitted, with all passengers wearing them. Mobile phone use in a car is illegal unless you have a hands-free system. It’s also illegal to overtake on the right in free-flowing traffic, and you must always have your headlights on in tunnels.

Failure to comply with some of these rules could lead to fines and/or pose a safety risk, so we would urge you to familiarise yourself with all of them before driving.

4. Be prepared for the idiosyncrasies of Portuguese roads

Not all characteristics of the Portuguese road network will necessarily be much like the ones you are familiar with in the country that you have come from.

It’s always important to be mindful of the potential to encounter potholes, oncoming traffic and even – in rural areas – livestock crossing the roads. Some roads in Portugal can also be very poorly lit, making night-time driving very hazardous.

5. Invest in the right Portuguese car insurance

Much as is the case in other countries, the amount you can expect to pay for car insurance in Portugal will likely be greatly influenced by such factors as your age, driving history and the car make and model you drive. However, here at Ibex, we can understand there are many other aspects of the policies available in this part of the world that may confuse you.

Indeed, this is partly why you may turn to our own English-speaking car insurance brokers in Portugal, who will be able to help you to grasp every last detail of your policy and as a consequence, ensure you buy only the insurance that ideally meets your needs.

In fact, whether you visit one of our Portuguese offices in person – in Tavira or Almancil – to arrange your car insurance policy, or instead request a quote online or give us a call, we can assure you of only the most informative and diligent service when you select Ibex as your car insurance brokers in Portugal.