Driving in Portugal

is somewhat different to driving in the UK, the most obvious difference being that you drive on the right hand side of the road, speed limits are only marginally different but of course are written in kilometres per hour. However there is a different attitude to driving which is more aggressive and the Portuguese have a bad habit of driving much closer behind you and they also drive very quickly. The condition of some of the minor roads can be quite shocking although this is changing quite rapidly. Other things to be aware of are road-works and their warning signs, they do not give you the notice that you are accustomed too and it is common to arrive at road-works with your first warning literally being the traffic cones. Traffic islands sometimes have strange rules; you may have to give way halfway around so it is wise to keep your eyes peeled for faded give-way lines on the road. Entrances and exits on Highways tend to be quite short and arrive without much notice. Signposting is far less frequent here so don’t panic when the signposts for your destination disappear, you will learn to have faith that you are on the right road and they will appear again! You will get lost and sat nav helps – sometimes! after all it is only as good as the maps and as the road infrastructure is changing quite rapidly here it is advisable to purchase an up to date map. The actual motorways are generally in good condition, toll roads are well worth paying for and not extortionate. On the plus side the amount of traffic on the roads is much less than you will be accustomed to in the UK and this alone makes driving a more pleasant experience. If you are pulled over by a police check point this is normal so don’t feel singled out the Police here set up regular stopping areas in random places at different times, they mostly check your papers and if they are not correct it can be costly e.g. driving a hire car without the contract in the car is 120 € fine not signing your insurance papers is similarly expensive and if you do not have the means to pay they take the car until you pay and produce the papers and of course you have to pay for the privilege of your car being towed and stored. One other thing to know is carrying goods in your car if you buy a new item you must carry with you a receipt if you do not it’s another heavy fine and confiscation of the goods until you can prove ownership these are not lip-service laws, they do it regularly. If you are unlucky enough to be involved in an accident with another vehicle the other party will call the police and you will have to remain with the car often blocking the entire road until they arrive they will not be persuaded otherwise so be prepared, you will also need a warning triangle to be positioned ahead of the traffic and a high vis jacket for you and your passengers this also is law. After saying all of this if you prepare correctly and pay attention driving in Portugal is rewarding and still the best way of travelling in terms of accessing more places and the speed in which you get there.