Rules for driving outside Portugal

If you're planning to travel or emigrate, it's important to know the differences in driving rules between Portugal and your destination country. Knowing the rules can save you a lot of fines and embarrassment, so here are some basics on the peculiarities outside our country.

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Can I drive with a Portuguese license?

Yes, but only in certain countries. The Portuguese driving license is valid throughout the European Union and also in countries with reciprocal agreements with ours, i.e. the driving license of the country in question is also valid when used here. You can therefore drive with your Portuguese driving license in:

• European Union;

• Iceland;

• Liechtenstein;

• Norway;

• Brazil;

• Switzerland;

• Morocco;

• Mozambique;

• São Tomé and Príncipe;

• Andorra;

• United Arab Emirates;

• Angola;

• Macao.

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If you're traveling to another country, you'll have to go to the IMT or ACP to get an International Driving Permit (IDP), which will cost 30€ to issue. When you're abroad, always carry the LIC with you, as well as your original driving license. Always research the rules of the country in question, as there may be restrictions on foreign drivers, as is the case in China, which does not allow foreigners to drive in its territory and, therefore, you will have to hire a driver if you rent a car.

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Driving in the European Union

Even if your license is valid in European Union countries, be aware that the rules of the road may change from country to country and you may be surprised when it's too late. In the "GOING ABROAD" app you can find all the traffic rules for the different countries, of which we highlight a few ideas:

• Speed limits vary from country to country. In Germany, for example, most highways do not have a speed limit but a maximum speed recommendation.

• In all countries it is forbidden to use a cell phone, some also do not allow the use of headphones while driving.

• There are countries where it is compulsory to use winter tires for a certain period of time. In addition, daytime running lights are compulsory in Bulgaria, the Czech Republic, Estonia, Finland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Norway, Poland, Slovakia, Slovenia, Switzerland and Sweden, also in Hungary and Romania outside localities and Croatia during the winter time period.

• As for the blood alcohol level, you may find variations, with no percentage of alcohol in the blood allowed in Bulgaria, the Czech Republic, Hungary, Romania and Slovakia. In Croatia, Germany, Italy, Lithuania and Slovenia, the 0.0 g/l limit applies to newly licensed and professional drivers.

• The safety equipment required by law has also changed considerably. Our neighboring country is one of those with different rules, as it requires two reflective triangles. In addition to a vest and triangle, most countries require a first aid kit and a fire extinguisher. The most particular cases, apart from Spain, are Croatia and Slovenia, which require you to have a set of spare bulbs, and Estonia, which requires wheel chocks.

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Even if you're just visiting, be careful and abide by the rules of the country you're in. Fines resulting from traffic violations will arrive by post at your address, with the exception of a few countries, such as Denmark, the United Kingdom and Ireland.

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Translated with DeepL.com