Lisbon Area and Airport Details

Below are a few tips to guide you when driving in Portugal, Algarve.

General
• License: A valid Driver's License or an International Driving License
• Minimum acceptable rental age of driver: 21
• All Traffic flow: right side of the road
• Emergency National Phone Number : 112

Speed Limit
Otherwise signalized here are the following speed limits :

• Built-up areas (Inside Villages, Cities or Towns): 50 km/h = 30 mph
• Other roads (Outside Villages, Cities or Towns) : 90 km/h = 54 mph
• Motorways: 120 km/h = 72 mph

Important Warnings to Drivers

• Documents relating to the car and its Insurance must be kept in the vehicle.

• "On the Spot" Traffic fines can be applied by the Police and may demand immediate payment either in cash or using a Credit Card.

• Seat belts fitted in back and front of a vehicle must be worn at all times.

• Children under 12 years old are prohibited from sitting in the front seat and are required to be fastened in the appropriate style chairs for their age in the back.

• At the junction of two roads of equal importance, traffic coming from the right always has priority unless otherwise signalled.

• Vehicles already in a traffic circle (roundabout) always have priority over those vehicles about to enter into it.

• It is against the law to park on the side of any road facing the oncoming traffic lane. Breaking this law is very dangerous to other drivers as they will not be expecting this unlawful movement.

• Vehicles must carry warning triangle sign and a reflector vest.

• Drivers are not permitted to accept or make mobile phones calls whilst the vehicle is in motion.

• Speed limits are enforced by radar traps, cameras, and often unmarked police cars.

• A driver's blood alcohol level is not allowed to exceed 0.05 percent and the penalties are extremely stiff and high levels of alcohol may include time in prison.

Portugal Weather
Our experience tells us how important the Weather is for the planning of your activities, sports, tours and driving during your stay here in Portugal. The weather is usually very nice throughout the whole year, even in the winter (Low Season) the temperatures can be very welcoming. During the summer time (High Season) it's recommended that you protect the inside of your vehicle with an interior sun protector, this will cool your vehicle and prevent any possible damage to your luggage if exposed directly to the sun. During the summer we also recommend that you always have a small bottle of water inside your vehicle.

After the long dry summer period (June till September), the first rains will become a very dangerous problem for your driving. The road during the dry summer accumulates oils, tyre rubber and other particles. When the first rains fall it will make the road very slippery.

Distances Chart of the Main Towns in Portugal (Click Here)
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