Car rental in Portugal

Police cars are usually equipped with portable card terminals, so you can pay your fine on the spot. You must always be given a receipt. If you refuse to pay for the offence, you may be required to leave a deposit equal to the maximum possible fine for that offence. If, for any reason, you refuse to do even this, then (be careful!) a police officer has the right to withdraw your driving licence and may even seize the rental car. Typical fines are as follows:

• On motorways you must drive at a speed of at least 50 km/h, otherwise you will have to pay from €60 to €300;
• Driving through a red traffic light will cost the driver from €120 to €600;
• On the road you must keep a safe distance between cars; otherwise the fine will be from €60 to €300;
• Driving in the opposite direction on a one-way street will cost you €250-1250.

Penalties for exceeding the speed limit in this country depend on how much you have exceeded it by. In addition, penalties for speeding inside a built-up area differ significantly from those outside built-up areas.

In general, finding free parking spaces in Portugal can be difficult, especially in Lisbon. The streets in the city are narrow, so it will be rather complicated to park your car for free. In this case it is better to use a paid parking zone equipped with self-service, automated machines, as the fine for incorrect parking is quite high, from €30 to €150. At the same time, an hour of secure parking will cost you €1,2. In addition, parking rules in Portugal are varied and can change depending on several factors, so it is recommended to be very careful.

The Portuguese police are relatively tolerant of drivers who have consumed a small amount of alcohol, so you can allow yourself one or two glasses of local wine. However, anything above this limit will be severely punished:

• From 0,5‰ to 0,79‰ — the fine is €250 to €1250 and disqualification from driving for a period from one month to one year;
• From 0,80‰ to 1,19‰ — punished by a €500 to €2500 fine and possible disqualification from driving for a period from 2 months up to 2 years;
• If the blood alcohol level reaches 1,2‰, your driving licence will be withdrawn for 3 years and you may even face imprisonment.

Portuguese traffic rules are quite standard for Europe. The main points are as follows:

• Dipped headlights must be used only in conditions of reduced visibility or when driving through a tunnel. Fog lights must be used only in thick fog;
• Children must be transported in special restraints if they are under 12 years of age and under 150 cm in height;
• Seat belts are compulsory for passengers in both the front and rear seats;
• Phone calls may be made only by means of hands-free devices.

In addition to being allowed to transport fuel in canisters, it is possible to purchase unleaded petrol of 95 and 98 grades in Portugal. Furthermore, if your leased car requires diesel fuel, it is also available at every filling station. The same applies to gas fuel. Approximate prices are as follows:

• 95-grade petrol — €1,57;
• 98-grade petrol — €1,69;
• Diesel fuel — €1,40.

Portuguese roads and some bridges are toll routes. The toll payment procedure is quite convenient. It can be made either by electronic payment or in cash. The expressways are divided into lanes, some of which are intended only for public transport. All lanes are marked with special signs, which clearly show the type of toll payment accepted in each lane.