Renting a car and driving through Portugal is a great way of seeing the country at your leisure. However, before getting behind the wheel, you should become familiar with the road signs and road markings so you can drive confidently and safely.
Portuguese road signs follow European standards, which means that the shape, colour and meanings of the signs are mostly universal. Here is an overview:
- Red and white triangular signs are warning signs alerting you to potential hazards, such as sharp bends, pedestrian crossings, or roadworks.
- Red and white circular signs indicate legal requirements for a specific section of road, such as speed limits or no entry.
- Blue and white circular signs are mandatory instruction signs that inform you of actions you are required to take, such as turning left or wearing a seatbelt.
- Square or rectangular signs provide general information about the road ahead. They might indicate highway directions, offer tourist information, or highlight nearby services like rest areas or hospitals.
Essential Portuguese Road Signs
Give Way
In Portugal, ‘give way’ signs do not feature any text. Instead, a red triangle pointing downward indicates that drivers must yield to traffic coming from other directions or crossing the road. This sign is commonly accompanied by road markings that show the stopping point.
Roundabout Ahead
Roundabout signs in Portugal closely resemble those in the UK, with the key difference being that the arrows point counterclockwise instead of clockwise. This is because traffic in Portugal drives on the right-hand side of the road.
Priority Road Starts/Ends
A yellow diamond with a white border marks the beginning of a priority road, indicating that you have the right of way when traveling on it. The sign indicating the end of a priority road is the same shape but features a black line through it, signaling that you no longer have priority.
Stop
The red octagonal sign with white text reading ‘Stop’ is commonly used throughout Europe, regardless of the local language. It is typically accompanied by road markings that indicate where to stop and yield to oncoming traffic.
Uncontrolled Crossroad
A black cross inside a red triangle warns the driver that the upcoming junction doesn’t use lights or road markings to control traffic. When arriving at these crossroads, give way to vehicles coming from the right.
Entry Not Allowed
The Portuguese ‘No Entry’ sign consists of an empty white circle surrounded by a red ring. This sign indicates that entry is prohibited to vehicles or pedestrians.
No Parking/ No Stopping
The ‘no parking’ sign is marked with a single diagonal red line, whereas the ‘no stopping’ sign features two diagonal lines crossing each other. These restrictions remain in place until you encounter an ‘end of zone’ sign, which is represented by a black diagonal line crossing over the no parking or no stopping sign.
No Overtaking
A red circle featuring two cars side by side signals that overtaking is prohibited. This restriction remains in effect until you encounter a sign displaying the same two cars but with black lines crossing them out.
Attention Cows
You will often see this ‘Attention Cows’ (Atenção Vacas) in rural parts of Portugal. The sign warns drivers that cows may be crossing or grazing near the edge of the road and so should proceed with caution.
General Warning
This sign warns vehicles of a potential hazard, obstacle or condition that requires you to remain aware. It may be paired with an additional sign detailing specific road restrictions, likely in Portuguese.
Railway Crossing with More Than One Railway
This sign alerts drivers to an upcoming railway crossing. When you see it, watch for barriers or traffic signals indicating when to stop.
Loose Chippings and Stones
A ‘Loose Chippings’ warning sign warns drivers of the presence of loose gravel or small stones on the road. Drivers should reduce speed and exercise caution to prevent skidding or potential vehicle damage from flying debris.
Portuguese Road Markings
Although road markings have continuity across Europe, and Portugal is no exception, there may be some differences, so it’s important to familiarise yourself with these before getting behind the wheel. Here’s a general guide:
- Solid white line: Indicates the edge of the road or separates lanes. Vehicles cannot cross these lines to overtake or turn off the road, unless it’s an emergency.
- Broken white line: Divides lanes of traffic; drivers may cross these lines when safe to do so, such as during overtaking.
- Solid yellow line: No stopping or parking allowed. These lines are often seen along curbs in urban areas.
- Broken yellow line: Marks a no-parking zone, but brief stops for loading or unloading are allowed.
- Blue markings: These usually indicate regulated parking areas where a parking disc or payment at a meter is required.
Pay attention to signs and markings as certain lanes are designated for specific vehicles like bicycles, buses or taxis and driving in restricted lanes could lead to a fine.
Just as learning about Portuguese road signs and markings will improve your confidence, so will purchasing our excess insurance policies for rental cars.
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