Driving in Portugal
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You can import your own car to Portugal, but it must be re-registered within 3 months of your arrival if you intend to use it for permanent residence. A driving licence issued in an EU country is valid in Portugal, so applying for a Portuguese licence is not obligatory, but it is compulsory to carry your licence at all times.
Highway Code regulations conform to EU standards, but it’s always best to check them out before you begin driving around Portugal. The Portuguese have a good name in Europe for the standard of their driving; they are courteous to other road users, but they do like to drive fast. The hot weather, a laid-back life style and cheap wine can easily lead to driving while under the influence of alcohol, and whereas a few years ago the police may not have been as rigorous in their pursuit of convictions for drink driving, this is not the case now.
The legal limit for drinking and driving is a maximum allowance of 0.5 gms of alcohol per litre of blood, and anything over this reading will result in severe penalties being imposed. A reading of up to 0.8 gms per litre can result in a maximum fine of €1,250 and a one-year driving suspension. Any reading over 0.8 gms can result in a one-year prison sentence and a three-year suspension. It is something well worth bearing in mind before heading off for a night out or Sunday lunch with friends.
For information on Portuguese property, contact the Portugal Property team on 0800 014 8201 or email us on: info@portugalproperty.com
Published in: Travel