Can I Drive To Get My Car Registered Without Plates

Coronavirus update

Please be aware that driving in Europe may be restricted at the moment.

Check the Foreign travel advice section of the GOV.United kingdom of great britain and northern ireland website for up to date communication on all European countries.

Whether you're heading to the beach towns of the Algarve or the cosmopolitan delights of Porto and Lisbon, Portugal never ceases to amaze – from the richness of its civilization to the friendliness of the locals.

But if you're planning a road trip to Portugal, information technology's essential yous're fully prepared alee of time, equally driving in that location has many differences to the UK.

To brand your trip to the Continent as rubber and effortless as possible, we've put together a guide to everything you need to know earlier yous get, from required documents to rules of the road.

Driving a rented vehicle? Spring to the advice for driving a rent automobile in Portugal section.

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Need brusque-term car insurance for your vehicle? Our temporary car cover is perfect if you lot're looking for flexible insurance for between 1 hour and thirty days.

Advice for driving in Portugal

driving-tips-for-portugal

In an emergency

Emergency telephones linked to an SOS network are installed at 2km intervals forth motorways and IP (itinerários principais) and IC (itinerários complementares).

112 - Here's a really important bit of knowledge; you lot can dial 112 from anywhere in Europe and an operator will connect you to an emergency service in the land you're visiting.

Operators tin can answer your phone call in their native language, English or French.

Driving licence laws

Visitors must be anile 18 or over and concord a full, valid driving licence to legally drive in Portugal. Riders of motorcycles up to 125cc must be anile xvi or over, as must those riding a moped (non exceeding 50cc).

Driving licences issued in EU and EEA countries are accepted. International driving permits are recognised, but not required.

Things to take when driving in Portugal

Documents for driving in Portugal

Visitors who benefit from temporary importation facilities may import a vehicle registered abroad for 6 months per year, whether consecutive or non. Vehicles registered in a temporary series tin stay in Portugal for ninety days maximum.

In gild to stay on the correct side of the law, the following documents should ever be carried:

Total, valid UK driving licence
Proof of ID (passport)
Motor insurance certificate
V5 registration document

Practise I need a GB or United kingdom of great britain and northern ireland sticker for driving in Portugal?

From 28th September 2021, the distinguishing marking (or national identifier) displayed on vehicles registered in the United Kingdom that are driven abroad will change from GB to UK.

This means that vehicles registered in the UK must display the letters "Britain" when driven in Portugal.

The identifier tin be incorporated in vehicle number plates (along with the Union Flag) or every bit a separate sticker. Note that vehicles featuring the letters GB together with the Council of Europe golden stars are no longer valid for driving abroad.

If your vehicle does not accept the UK identifier within the number plate, you lot volition require a UK sticker when driving in Portugal. GB stickers will no longer be valid from the end of September.

Do I demand an insurance green card?

From 2nd August 2021, drivers will no longer crave an insurance greenish card for taking their vehicles to Portugal.

Driving in Portugal packing checklist

In addition to required documents, motorists are too required by law to bear the following items when driving to avoid fines:

Cogitating jackets (mandatory to deport in your vehicle and wear if you need to get out the vehicle on the carriageway)
Alarm triangle (not compulsory for strange-registered vehicles from countries where alert triangles are non compulsory)
Headlamp axle deflectors (depending on your automobile, you will either need deflector stickers or have to adapt the axle manually)
Crash helmets are compulsory for riders and passengers of mopeds and motorcycles

Is there anything that I shouldn't accept with me?

Be enlightened that you cannot take the post-obit with you lot into Portugal:

meat or products containing meat
milk or dairy products

Yous cannot have the following unless you pay to take them inspected before you go out and become a 'phytosanitary certificate':

fresh fruit (apart from bananas, coconuts, dates, pineapples and durians)
vegetables
plants
institute products

Rules of the road in Portugal

Overtaking and passing

In Portugal, motorists drive on the right and overtake on the left. When being overtaken, motorists should proceed as far right every bit possible and not accelerate.

You are permitted to laissez passer a stationary tram only if at that place's an island for passengers boarding and alighting.

In narrow streets, the vehicle nearest a passing identify should pull into it, reversing if necessary. If two vehicles are at an equal distance from a passing identify, the lighter vehicle should pull in or reverse.

On a hill, the vehicle travelling uphill should requite style to the one going downwardly. In all circumstances, even so, motor vehicles take priority over other vehicles.

Who has priority?

Equally a general rule, priority must be given to vehicles coming from the right unless indicated.

Emergency vehicles and military vehicles have priority over other route users.

Vehicles must not enter an intersection – fifty-fifty if they have right of mode – if information technology's likely they will exist unable to go out it without obstructing other traffic.

Warning of approach

Horns should exist used in moderation.

In urban areas, sounding the horn is not allowed during the hours of darkness, except in an emergency. If yous demand to give a warning, flash your lights instead.

In rural areas, horns should be used whenever required for route rubber, where visibility is compromised, or before overtaking another road user.

Towing

Camper vans and cars with caravans are not allowed to exceed 18.75 metres in length, four metres in height and 2.55 metres in width.

Seat belts

It's compulsory to wear seat belts in the front and rear seats of cars equipped with belts.

The fine for failing to vesture a seat chugalug is set between €120 and €600.

Traffic lights

The international three-colour traffic low-cal system is used in Portugal. There is no amber signal later on the red, and a flashing amber low-cal indicates "circumspection".

A flashing or constant red light indicates "stop" and is used most level crossings and to give warning of an obstacle.

Speed limits in Portugal

Portugal uses the metric system for all road signs, pregnant speed limits and other road signs including distance are indicated using kilometres and metres. These are the full general speed limits for private cars:


In congenital-up areas	50km/h (unless other indicated past local signs)
Outside built-upwardly areas	90km/h – 100km/h (unless other indicated by local signs)
Motorways	120km/h

Special speed restrictions utilize to sure classes of vehicle, including mopeds, motorhomes and vehicles with trailers so cheque before travel.

On the 25 de Abril bridge over the River Tagus, drivers must go on to a speed betwixt 40km/h and 60km/h.

Speeding fines in Portugal

Speeding fines in Portugal range from €lx to €2,500 depending on the speed at which offenders are defenseless, and the road on which they're driving.

Speed camera detectors

Whatsoever device that actively searches for mobile speed cameras or interferes with police transmissions is prohibited past law. Fines for use can reach £2,500.

Travelling with children in Portugal

driving-tips-for-portugal

All children under 12 years of historic period and measuring under 1.35m, travelling in a car fitted with seatbelts, must travel in the back seats in a special child restraint system adapted to their size and weight, except:

if the automobile has but two seats or is not fitted with seatbelts.
for a child under iii, who can travel on the front seat equipped with a rear-facing kid restraint organization. In this example, the airbag must be deactivated.

Bike helmet law

Bike helmets are not compulsory in Portugal unless riding an electric bicycle. Children who are passengers on bicycles must as well wear a helmet.

All bikes must have a reflectorised registration plate.

Arrival Breakdown Cover

Become specialist personal based cover for caravans, motorhomes and campervans from merely £11 per month.^

Driving a camper van and towing a caravan in Portugal

Camper vans and cars with caravans are not allowed to exceed 2 metres in length, four metres in height and 2.55 metres in width.

Loads mustn't exceed 10 tonnes at a single beam.

Please note: The Section for Transport advises that A-frames are not legal for use past Uk campers and caravanners abroad. In practice, this could mean towing your car while information technology'south fixed to a trailer.*

Portuguese penalties and fines

On-the-spot fines

Police can impose on-the-spot fines to drivers of foreign-registered cars and receipts are given. Most law cars are equipped with portable ATMs to ensure immediate payment.

Minimum and maximum fines

Fines range from €30 for unauthorised parking to €2,500 for offences including using a radar detector and driving under the influence of drugs.

Some motoring offences are considered criminal and can also lead to licence revocation, vehicle confiscation and a possible prison sentence.

Confiscation of vehicles

A vehicle tin can be confiscated for a number of reasons, including when a driver has:

tested positive for being under the influence of alcohol
no registration documents
forged number plates
refused to pay a fine

The Cross-Border Enforcement Directive

An European union cross-border directive came into effect in the Uk in May 2017. This is aimed at tracking down people who commit traffic offences in cars that are registered in an EU fellow member country unlike to where the offence was committed.

If you commit a driving offence in Portugal or whatsoever other Eu country, the law-breaking will finer follow you lot back habitation to the UK where y'all can still be prosecuted

Parking in Portugal

Parking regulations

Cars must be left facing in the same direction as traffic on that side of the road unless otherwise stated with local signage. In urban areas, parking is prohibited:

within 5 metres (grand) of intersections and bends with express visibility
on pedestrian crossings
within 3m of tram stops
within 10m of other public passenger stops
in spaces reserved for taxis
opposite vehicle entrances to buildings
Exterior these areas, parking is prohibited:
on bridges and level crossings
in tunnels
where visibility is limited
within 20m of intersections
at dark on the carriageway

Paid parking

In main towns and cities similar Lisbon, Porto, Faro and Albufeira, parking is limited and discipline to fees so bank check local signage before leaving your car.

Enforcement of parking regulations

Illegally-parked vehicles are likely to be clamped and, if causing an obstacle to moving traffic, towed away. In both cases, a fine must exist paid to cover the offence plus towing and impounding costs.

Disabled parking admission

All Eu-issued disabled permits should be recognised in Portugal.

Blue Badge holders must not exceed the time limit as set out in parking bays.

Drinkable driving law in Portugal

Legal limit

The general limit for drivers of private vehicles is 0.05%.

For professional drivers (driving a bus, autobus, HGV or public service vehicle), besides as for newly-qualified drivers (less than three years' feel), the limit is 0.02%.

Random breath tests

A driver suspected of being nether the influence of alcohol or drugs tin be made to undergo a breath examination for booze or a saliva test for drugs. All road users may undergo a breath test following a collision (including pedestrians).

A commuter tin turn down to undergo a breath examination only so must provide a blood sample instead.

Tolls in Portugal

Like many other European countries, Portugal has motorways with tolls. You can pay for them with greenbacks or a credit menu, although some motorways simply have electronic payment.

Most motorways accept a payment system known every bit Via Verde, which sees users attach a magnetic menu to their vehicle's windscreen which automatically works at toll booths.

There is also a organisation called Easy Cost in place, which is often easier for visiting motorists. Here, motorists enter their carte du jour details at the edge point and take a photo of their registration plates taken. The system will so deduct toll payment every time the registered vehicle passes a price booth.

Portuguese service areas

There are many service areas forth the Portuguese motorways.

Availability of fuel

Different types of clean fuel are available in Portugal, including biodiesel 10 and public electric charging points.

Automatic petrol pumps are found in some big towns.

Drving a hire motorcar in Portugal

Not all of the information in the guide in a higher place will be relevant to those looking to rent a hire automobile in Portugal.

Though it might be a good idea to read through everything anyway, here are the well-nigh important things to know for drivers of rental vehicles:

Rental information

The minimum age to hire a motorcar is 25, although younger drivers may be able to pay a surcharge
You need a full, valid United kingdom of great britain and northern ireland driving licence and usually a 2d proof of ID (passport)
Car rental companies ask that you lot have held your licence for a minimum term of 1 twelvemonth
Some companies may require you to use a credit menu for deposit, information technology is best to check first
You may non be able to drive exterior of Portugal unless planned in advance - check with your hire visitor first
Make sure you get car rent excess insurance before your trip to protect yourself from unexpected costs. It's most always cheaper to do this with a separate insurer and in advance

Rent motorcar driving tips

The national speed limit on motorways in Portugal is 120km/h (74 mph). On a main road exterior a congenital-up area it varies betwixt 90km/h and 100km/h. For congenital-up areas information technology'south 50km/h.
Dial 112 in an emergency
If seat belts are fitted to your car, they must be worn by both drivers and passengers.
The blood alcohol content limit for drivers of individual vehicles is 0.05%. That's lower than the 0.08% in England, Wales and Northern Ireland, just the same as Scotland.

Driving in Portugal FAQs

Tin I drive my car in Portugal?

Yes. You must have a valid Great britain licence and V5 document, along with sufficient insurance and breakdown cover for your trip. You lot should also familiarise yourself with the laws around driving in Portugal before yous set off to continue yourself and other road users safe.
Tin I drive my car in Lisbon?

Yep, although Lisbon is one of western Europe's more challenging capital cities to drive in with its narrow streets, lack of parking and sometimes aggressive driving mode of the locals. Consider parking exterior the urban center and taking public transport into the centre if this doesn't audio like your idea of fun.
How do I drive to Portugal?

Getting to Portugal by car from the UK is easier than you lot probably think. Firstly, yous'll need to take your machine beyond the Channel to Calais on either ferry or the Eurotunnel and and so bulldoze through France and Espana to Portugal. The bulldoze from Calais to Porto takes around 17 hours without stops, and offers enough of great stop-off opportunities.
Alternatively, yous can take a ferry from Portsmouth or Plymouth to the northern Spanish ports of Santander and Bilbao. These ferry journeys take up to 24 hours, but the journey from Santander to Porto takes but half dozen hours.
What side of the road practise they bulldoze on in Portugal?

Unlike in the Great britain, motorists drive on the right-mitt side of the road in Portugal and overtake on the left – which can accept some adjustment if yous're used to driving on the left.
Can you drive in Portugal with a UK licence?

Yeah, you can legally drive in Portugal with your UK-issued driving licence without the need to apply for an International Driving Allow.
Do I need extra insurance to drive in Portugal?

Portugal and the UK are both part of the Green Card Organization, a Europe-wide scheme allowing all countries to recognise foreign vehicle insurance policies of visiting motorists, and then information technology'southward quite possible your existing insurance will cover you.

However, before setting off on your trip, you should contact your insurance provider to make certain no additional cover is required, equally you won't be able to buy short-term cover at the border entry points.
Is driving in Portugal dangerous?

Driving in Portugal is by and large fine, although be enlightened that the road conditions outside the principal urban centres and resort areas vary dramatically and are often poorly maintained when compared to other western European countries. In mountain areas and on the island of Madeira, roads can exist steep so take extra precautions.

Portuguese motorists are known for their somewhat aggressive driving manner so bulldoze cautiously. Attempt not to take whatsoever behaviour yous deem aggressive too personally.
Exercise I need a GB sticker to bulldoze in Portugal?

You volition need to display a GB sticker on the rear of your car unless it has Eu number plates with the state code in a circle of stars on a bluish background.
Practice I need headlamp converters in Portugal?

Yes. Depending on your car, you should use deflector stickers or adjust the beam manually. This is so yous don't dazzle oncoming traffic when driving on the right side of the road at night.
What is the national speed limit in Portugal?

The national speed limit on Portuguese motorways is 120km/h (75 mph). If y'all're driving on a main road outside a congenital-up area, the limit varies between 90km/h and 100km/h, and for built-upwards areas information technology's generally 50km/h.
Practise I need snowfall bondage in Portugal?

Snow bondage may be used in Portugal where necessary, such every bit mountainous areas in wintertime.
How much are toll roads in Portugal?

The amount you pay per price will depend on the length of the road and the expanse you're driving in.

Visit https://www.viamichelin.com to calculate the cost of your journey.
How exercise you pay for toll roads in Portugal?

There are two ways to pay for tolls – electronically or manually. On most toll roads, you can pay past greenbacks or credit card or pre-paid card but be aware that on certain motorways only electronic payment is accepted.

If you regularly use price roads, it may be worth signing upward to the Via Verde scheme which takes you through the fast lane without having to stop and pay.

At that place is too a system chosen Easy Toll in place, which is frequently easier for visiting motorists. This sees motorists enter their bill of fare details at the border indicate and have a photograph of their registration plates taken. The system will and then deduct toll payment every time the registered vehicle passes a price gate.
Does Portugal apply mph or kph?

Portugal uses the metric system for all route signs, and so speed limits and other signs including distance are shown in kilometres and metres.