Driving In Portugal - What You Need To Know

For obvious reasons, you need to plan and research the road rules of a country before you visit, and Portugal is no exception! Such forward planning will help you enjoy your Portugal vacation even more. Hiring a car is the best way to discover and be enthralled with the tourist delights of Portugal. Having your own transport gives you the freedom and independence of travelling on the open roads at your own pace.

Without further ado, check out our guide to driving in Portugal....

· Drive on the right hand side of the road. If you are used to driving on the left in countries such as the UK and Ireland, this might take a bit of getting used to! So prepare!
· The minimum age for driving, is 18 years of age for a car and for a motorcycle over 75cc.
· Carry your drivers licence and insurance documentation with you at all times. Also all information relating to the car must be located in the car.
· Speed Limits - The speed limit is as follows in Portugal: Urban areas 50 km/h - Rural roads 90km/h and Motorways 120km/h. Radar traps and unmarked traffic control cars are very common on Portugal's roads so don't spoil your vacation by getting caught for speeding.
· Always wear your seat belt - this applies to all passengers on board!
· Always carry a Warning Triangle On Board. This must be displayed on the road near your vehicle should you break down.
· Carry Reflector jacket/vest in the vehicle. In the event of a breakdown, the repair person must wear this road visibility item when working on the vehicle.
· Child Seats and boosters must be carried by law for children up to the age of 12.
· Children under 12 years old cannot travel in the front of the vehicle.
· Traffic Police can subject motorists to on the spot fines for motoring offences when they see fit - they can demand cash or credit card so be warned! Your vehicle could be seized until payment is received at the discretion of the Police.
· The use of mobile or hand held technology is not permitted - you could be submitted to a fine of around €600.00.
· Don't drink and drive. If you are over 0.05% you could face a large fine, licence withdrawal, or a prison term.
· You should activate your dipped headlights in the event of poor daytime visibility.
· At a junction, when the roads are the same size, give way to traffic on the right unless told otherwise.
· Park in designated spaces - if you park in a place that is not permitted by signs, your car could be impounded.
· Remember to park your vehicle in the direction of the traffic.
· Traffic that has already entered a circle/roundabout has priority over those that are about to enter.
· Do not overtake on the right hand side - if caught, you could be subject to a fine of €1,250.00.
· If you are involved in an accident remain at your vehicle until the arrival of the Police.

Hiring a car is the best way to discover the beauty of Portugal. You travel at your very own speed and because of this you will have complete independence and be flexible. Going to Portugal on holidays? Visit Novacarhire.com's Cheap Car Hire Portugal page and get an instant quote which will offer you the best deals from top car rental providers.