Car Rental Portugal
Car Rental Portugal
If you are planning to drive in Portugal, be advised that Portugal has one of Europe's worst road accident death rates. Factors include: poor roads, a culture of drinking and driving and a low standard of driving instruction.
A valid national driver's license and International Driving Permit is required. A major credit card is also recommended. The common car rental age is 21, but the minimums may be higher.
Driving the rental car into certain countries is prohibited. Refer to the terms of agreement first before planning trips. Travel into anywhere outside of Western Europe must be requested in advance.
General Information About Portugal
Region: Europe
Population: 10,343,000 October 2002
Capital: Lisbon
Climate: Maritime temperate; cool and rainy in north, warmer and drier in south
Languages: Portuguese
Currency: 1 Euro = 100 cents
National Holiday: Day of Portugal, 10 June (1580)
Some Driving Laws
Driving is on the right.
All seat belts must be worn at all times when seated in a vehicle. Roads and un-motorized vehicles are not well lit at night, so drive with caution.
Children under 12 years old are prohibited from sitting in the front seat. Child seats are required up to age five.
At the junction of two roads of equal size, traffic coming from the right has priority.
Vehicles already in a traffic circle have priority over those entering it.
When traveling be extremely careful and patient. Many times you will find the roads occupied with horse-drawn carts and farm animals.
Speed limits are enforced by radar traps and unmarked police cars. Caught by the police for some traffic violation? Then they can collect fines on the spot.
A driver's blood alcohol level is not allowed to exceed 0.05 percent and the penalties are extremely stiff and high amounts may include time in prison.The blood/alcohol limit in Portugal is 0.05%. A blood/alcohol reading of more than 0.12% will result in imprisonment.
You must carry a warning triangle in your vehicle.
You must park in the same direction as moving traffic, except where parking is allowed on one side of the road only. Illegally parked vehicles are subject to immobilization.
Road Conditions As Stated By The U.S Bureau Of Consular Affairs
Urban Road Conditions/Maintenance: Good to Fair
Rural Road Conditions/Maintenance: Fair to Poor
Availability of Roadside Assistance: Good to Fair
Speed Limits
| Urban |
50 km/h |
| Rural |
90-100 km/h |
| Expressways |
120 km/h |
Driving Tips In Portugal
Portugal has one of the highest rates of automobile accidents and fatalities in Europe. Portuguese driving habits, high speeds, and poorly marked roads pose special hazards. In the Azores, driving can be treacherous due to narrow cobblestone streets, blind curves, unprotected embankments, herds of cows in the countryside roads, and the high speeds of other drivers.
Roadside Assistance Numbers
The national motoring club is Automóvel Club de Portugal (ACP)
24-26, 1200 Lisbon
Telephone: 01 56 3981
Office hours from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. and from 2:00 p.m. to 4:45 p.m. on weekdays
ACP - South of Coimbra
Telephone: 01 942 50 95
Fax: 01 941 94 99
8:00 a.m. to 11:30 p.m. everyday
ACP - North of Coimbra
Telephone: 02 31 67 32 or 01 830 1127
Fax: 02 31 66 98
8:00 a.m. to 11:30 p.m. weekdays, 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. on the weekend First aid can be called at these numbers 24 hours a day.
Orange emergency telephones are along main roads. Other Portuguese drivers readily assist stranded motorists. Use your best judgment if another driver comes to your aid; consider asking them to phone for help.
Emergency Contact Telephone Numbers
Police, Fire, and Ambulance: 112
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