Special rules

There is a legal requirement for foreign nationals to be able to show some form of identification if requested by the police or judicial authorities.  For UK nationals this means a passport.  This requirement is rigorously enforced in the case of those driving cars in Portugal.

In other cases, it should be sufficient to carry a photocopy of the data page of your passport, but you should be prepared to produce the original document, if necessary.  This may mean being accompanied by the police to collect it from your hotel.  All UK visitors are in any case advised to keep a photocopy of the data page separate from the original.

The minimum age for driving is 18.  You must possess a UK driving licence or an International Driving Permit.  In addition to your licence, you must also carry your vehicle logbook or rental contract, proof of insurance and MOT certificate (if appropriate) together with all other relevant documentation.  There are heavy on-the-spot fines for those who fail to do so.

If hiring a car, you should ensure that the vehicle insurance is fully comprehensive and covers you and your passengers for all eventualities.

As a holidaymaker, you can bring your own vehicle to Portugal for a maximum of 180 days in any 12-month period.  You must not use your vehicle for any other purpose or loan it to anyone else during that time.  If you intend to stay longer, you must apply to the Portuguese Customs authority to have the car legally imported.  You will be fined if you leave the country without your car.

You must carry a red warning triangle to place behind the vehicle in case of accident or breakdown and a reflective vest for use if you have to get out of your car.  The wearing of seatbelts is compulsory in the front and rear of vehicles.  Children under 12 must not travel in the front passenger seat.  You must not carry spare (full) petrol cans in the vehicle.

Fines for traffic offences are substantial in Portugal.  Such infringements as speeding, driving under the influence of drink or drugs, the use of mobile phones whilst driving and illegal parking are heavily penalised.  Special emphasis is also placed on the use of child safety seats and seat belts in the rear of the vehicle.  The police have the authority to fine on-the-spot and most of their vehicles are equipped with portable ATM machines to facilitate immediate payment.  The Portuguese Highway Code can be found (in Portuguese) at: http://www.dgv.pt

As in many other European countries, there is a toll system in operation on Portuguese motorways.  Heavy fines are imposed on those who do not or cannot pay toll fees.  You should take care not to use the green lanes reserved for motorists who subscribe to the automatic pay system.

Driving regulations and customs are different from those in the UK and the accident rate is higher.  Visitors are advised to take extra care when crossing busy roads, especially late at night.  This includes crossing at zebra crossings which are often badly lit and poorly marked.

Portuguese police recommend car windows and doors are closed and locked while driving at night in urban centres.  Pedestrians are advised not to wear valuable jewellery or watches in public areas.

Insurance

All UK car insurance policies automatically provide, at no extra cost, the minimum cover required by law in all European Union (EU) countries. The minimum required is cover for your liability to third parties. If you have an accident, you may not be covered for medical or hospital expenses. Consult your insurance company or a motoring organisation before leaving the UK to make sure that you are fully insured.

Taking your own car

Certain elements of the cover you have in the UK may be restricted to the UK only. So while you might have cover for accidental damage to your own vehicle in the UK, this cover might be removed when you drive abroad. Most people want the same protection they enjoy in the UK when travelling abroad and so you will need to ask your insurer or broker to extend the scope of your cover before you travel if it is not already included. An additional premium may be charged for this extension.

The Green Card

This is an internationally recognised document that serves solely as evidence that the holder has the minimum insurance cover required by law in the country visited. A Green Card provides no insurance cover in itself. Insurers do not charge for a Green Card, though a broker may levy an administration fee for arranging it.

It is not necessary to have a Green Card when travelling to the EU and certain other European countries (see the Association of British Insurers for details), though if you do not take one you should instead carry your Certificate of Insurance. However, a Green Card can serve as easily recognisable proof of third party insurance, for example in the case of an accident, when travelling abroad.

There are other countries party to the Green Card arrangements where you will either need to have a Green Card or purchase insurance at the border. Details of these countries can be found on the Association of British Insurers website.

Accidents.

If you are involved in an accident, immediately tell your insurer or your insurer's representative in the country concerned.

Many insurers issue a European Accident Statement. This enables drivers to exchange facts while events are still fresh in their minds and without admitting liability.

Many insurers offer 24-hour UK-based telephone helplines in case you need help in an emergency. Make sure you have these details with you when you travel abroad.

Breaking Down.

Even if you have extended your policy for driving abroad, this will not cover your car against breaking down. Vehicle breakdown policies can be bought with your holiday insurance or separately. Check to see if your motor insurer can provide this cover.

A policy will cover the cost of hiring a car while your own is being repaired, road-side assistance and emergency repairs, the cost of returning your car to the UK or sending out spare parts, together with emergency accommodation if you are unable to use your vehicle. A monetary limit will apply to each section of the policy.

Hiring a car

When you hire a car abroad, insurance cover is sometimes limited to the legal minimum in the country or state where you hire. You could be held personally responsible for any claim for injury or damage over this limit. Ask your tour operator or insurer if they can provide top-up insurance to increase your cover. This may be cheaper than buying it abroad.

Country specific tips

Driving in Austria | Driving in Belgium | Driving in Bulgaria | Driving in Cyprus | Driving in the Czech Republic | Driving in Denmark | Driving in Estonia | Driving in Finland | Driving in France | Driving in Germany | Driving in Greece | Driving in Hungary | Driving in Ireland | Driving in Italy | Driving in Latvia | Driving in Lithuania | Driving in Luxembourg | Driving in Malta | Driving in the Netherlands | Driving in Poland | Driving in Portugal | Driving in Romania | Driving in Slovakia | Driving in Slovenia | Driving in Spain | Driving in Sweden | Driving in the UK

Don't set off unprepared.

Make sure your vehicle is serviced before you leave and that you know about and comply with the vehicle requirements in the countries you are visiting. Don't go without taking:

• a spare set of keys.
• a GB sticker and a set of headlamp converters.
• a fire extinguisher, first aid kit, tool kit, spare bulbs and warning triangle.
• registration document, driving licence and passport. Check whether you need to take an International Driving Permit with you.
• your UK motor insurance certificate, Green Card (if issued), and details of any breakdown and travel insurance, together with any emergency helpline numbers.

Protect against car thieves.

Foreign registered vehicles attract thieves, so do not make your car an easy target:

Lock all doors and the boot when leaving the vehicle as well as closing windows and the sunroof.

Park in a well-lit place.

Avoid leaving possessions in an unattended vehicle. If you have to leave property, make sure it is in a locked boot. In a hatchback, the rear shelf should be in position. In an estate car, cover up property with a sheet or blanket.

Don't leave car ownership and insurance documents in your car when parked.

Use an anti-theft device.

Take your keys with you at the petrol station when you go to pay.