Driving in Portugal

Taking your car to Portugal? Kit rules are light, but tolls aren't: some motorways are electronic-only, so sort out how you'll pay before you go.

Checked on 17 October 2026 against GOV.UK and the RAC guides. Rules change, so check the official sources at the bottom before you travel.

What you must have

  • UK sticker on the rear if your number plate doesn't show the UK identifier
  • Reflective (hi-vis) jacket: must be in the car, worn if you get out on the carriageway (RAC)
  • Headlamp beam deflectors or adjusted headlamps

A folding warning triangle packs away neatly in the boot.

Worth packing

  • Warning triangle: RAC says it isn't compulsory for foreign cars from countries that don't require one, but carry one anyway
  • A hi-vis jacket for every passenger
  • First aid kit

You'll find triangles, vests and first aid kits among our road safety essentials. Pack extra hi-vis vests so every passenger has one. A tyre pressure gauge is useful for checks before long motorway stretches.

Documents

  • Your full UK driving licence (photocard). If you still have a paper licence, GOV.UK says you may need to update it to a photocard or get an international driving permit.
  • Your V5C logbook. If the car is hired or leased in the UK, you need a VE103 certificate instead.
  • Your motor insurance certificate. Check with your insurer that you're covered abroad.
  • Your passport.
  • UK sticker: you need one unless your number plate shows the UK identifier with the Union flag. An old GB sticker must be covered or removed (GOV.UK).

Clean-air zones and stickers

No national low-emission sticker scheme in the RAC guide or on GOV.UK.

Official sites:

Tolls and vignettes

Many motorways are tolled. Some are electronic-only, with no booths. Options include Via Verde tags and Easy Toll, which links your card to your number plate at the border. If you think you used a toll road without paying, check the official Toll Payment Portal (RAC, GOV.UK).

Winter rules

No winter tyre law. Snow chains can be used where needed, e.g. mountain areas in winter (RAC).

Speed limits (cars)

Road Limit
Motorways 120 km/h
Outside built-up areas 90–100 km/h as signed
Built-up areas 50 km/h
25 de Abril bridge, Lisbon 40–60 km/h

Signs always take priority over these general limits.

Drink-driving limit

The limit is 0.5 g/l of blood (0.05%), and 0.2 g/l for drivers with under 3 years' experience (RAC). The limit in England, Wales and Northern Ireland is 0.8 g/l.

Fines to know about

  • Speeding €60–€2,500 (RAC)
  • Radar/camera detectors banned: fines up to €2,500 (RAC)

Shop the kit

We don't currently stock UK stickers, headlamp beam deflectors, spare bulb kits or breathalysers. Ferry ports, Eurotunnel and most motoring shops sell them, so pick them up before you cross.

See the full Driving abroad range. Clean-air stickers, vignettes and toll passes come only from the official sites linked above. We don't sell them.

FAQs

How do I pay tolls in Portugal?

Some motorways are electronic-only. Use a Via Verde tag, or Easy Toll, which links your card to your number plate at the border. If you missed a payment, check the official Toll Payment Portal.

Is a hi-vis vest compulsory in Portugal?

Yes. It must be in the car, and you wear it if you get out on the carriageway.

Do I need a warning triangle in Portugal?

The RAC says it isn't compulsory for foreign cars from countries that don't require one. It's still worth carrying.

How long can I keep my UK car in Portugal?

Up to 183 days in any 12 months, for tourism only (GOV.UK).

What's the drink-drive limit?

0.5 g/l blood, and 0.2 g/l for drivers with under three years' experience.

Before you drive to Portugal, check your MOT history on our main site to see when your next test is due.

Sources

Checked 17 October 2026:

This page is a general guide for UK-registered cars, not legal advice. Always check the official sources before you travel.